Successful midtrimester thoracentesis with analysis of the lymphocyte population in the pleural effusion

A case of successful midtrimester fetal thoracentesis is reported. Several chest taps were performed in a fetus between 20 and 23 weeks' gestation to relieve the large and progressing pleural effusion. Analysis of the lymphocyte subpopulations in the pleural fluid showed differences in cell mix when compared with that of our previous, equally successful reported case.