Ultrasonic detection of fetal ascites associated with polyhydramnios

The combination of fetal ascites and polyhydramnios is an uncommon problem that can be detected in utero by sonography. A case is reported where the etiology was found to be generalized cytomegalovirus infection. The differential diagnosis, etiology and diagnostic procedures are discussed. A thorough sonographic study is essential in the diagnosis and evaluation of fetal ascites in utero.