Decompression of fetal cardiac tamponade caused by congenital capillary hemangioma of the pericardium.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-2000
Identifier
DOI: 10.1016/s0029-7844(00)01045-0
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Isolated fetal pericardial effusion is rare but has been associated with various cardiac masses. Decompression in utero might prolong the pregnancy.
CASE: In a 34-year-old white woman, gravida 3, para 0-1-1-1, at 34 5/7 weeks' gestation, ultrasound detected massive fetal pericardial effusion that progressed rapidly to hydrops. The fetal heart was structurally normal. We decompressed the fetal cardiac tamponade by pericardiocentesis, removing 52 mL of straw-colored fluid, which improved fetal movement and hydrops. We did pericardiocentesis at 6 weeks postpartum for a large pericardial effusion. Two weeks later the effusion recurred and we did thoracotomy with pericardial window placement. Pathologic diagnosis of pericardial biopsy was congenital capillary hemangioma of the pericardium.
CONCLUSION: Isolated fetal pericardial effusion can be caused by capillary hemangioma of the pericardium despite lack of any mass on ultrasound. Decompression of pericardial effusion in utero might relieve fetal cardiac tamponade and extend pregnancy.
Journal Title
Obstetrics and gynecology
Volume
96
Issue
5 Pt 2
First Page
816
Last Page
817
MeSH Keywords
Adult; Cardiac Tamponade; Decompression, Surgical; Female; Fetal Diseases; Heart Neoplasms; Hemangioma, Capillary; Humans; Pericardial Effusion; Pericardiocentesis; Pericardium; Pregnancy
Keywords
Adult; Cardiac Tamponade; Decompression, Surgical; Female; Fetal Diseases; Heart Neoplasms; Hemangioma, Capillary; Humans; Pericardial Effusion; Pericardiocentesis; Pericardium; Pregnancy
Recommended Citation
Thorp, J., Geidt, A., Gelatt, M., Gowdamarajan, R. Decompression of fetal cardiac tamponade caused by congenital capillary hemangioma of the pericardium. Obstetrics and gynecology 96, 816-817 (2000).
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