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Fetal Circulation

Fetal Circulation

Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 17, 2026

Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Published on: June 29, 2013

Fetal Splenomegaly: A Review.

Marta Moreira¹, Rafael Brás, Daniela Gonçalves

¹Department of Obstetrics, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte - Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal.

Ultrasound Quarterly

|December 2, 2017

Summary

Prenatal splenomegaly, or enlarged fetal spleen, can indicate underlying systemic diseases. This case highlights familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) as a rare but critical cause, emphasizing the need for thorough postnatal investigation.

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High Frequency Ultrasound for the Analysis of Fetal and Placental Development In Vivo

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Last Updated: Feb 17, 2026

Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Published on: June 29, 2013

Accurate and Simple Evaluation of Vascular Anastomoses in Monochorionic Placenta using Colored Dye

Accurate and Simple Evaluation of Vascular Anastomoses in Monochorionic Placenta using Colored Dye

Published on: September 5, 2011

High Frequency Ultrasound for the Analysis of Fetal and Placental Development In Vivo

High Frequency Ultrasound for the Analysis of Fetal and Placental Development In Vivo

Published on: November 8, 2018

Area of Science:

Perinatology
Pediatric Hematology
Immunology

Background:

Fetal splenomegaly is often secondary to systemic conditions, with infections being the most common cause.
Other potential etiologies include hemolytic anemia, cardiac failure, metabolic disorders, and rarely, hematologic malignancies or histiocytosis.

Observation:

A case of prenatal splenomegaly was diagnosed at 35 weeks gestation.
The condition was confirmed postnatally in the newborn infant.

Findings:

Postnatal investigations revealed the infant had familial type 3 hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a severe syndrome characterized by uncontrolled immune activation.
The hereditary forms of HLH follow an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.

Implications:

Prenatal splenomegaly warrants comprehensive evaluation to rule out serious underlying conditions like HLH.
Early diagnosis and management of HLH are crucial due to its life-threatening nature.
Understanding the genetic basis of familial HLH aids in genetic counseling and family screening.