Objective: We present a rather rare case of isolated fetal ascites. We summarize its possible causes and diferential diagnostic procedure, our pregnancy managment and final outcome of the child.
Study design: Case report.
Settings: Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika, Masarykova nemocnice, Ústí nad Labem; Neonatologická klinika, Masarykova nemocnice, Ústí nad Labem.
Methods: The pacient 18-years-old, I/0, was admitted to our clinic in the 32nd week of pregnancy with the dia-gnosis of significant isolated fetal ascites. Gradually, the most common causes of isolated ascites were excluded by the examination algorithm: developmental defects of GIT, urogenital tract and heart defects, genetic disorders, metabolic defects and immune and nonimmune causes of fetal hydrops. During the hospitalization, ascites lightening puncture was performed twice because of the significant lung tissue compression - without significant long-term effect. At the gestational age of 33+4, caesa-rean delivery was indicated for extreme ascites growth and significant lung tissue relapse. A boy of 2150 g with a serious respiratory distress was born. Immediately after delivery in the operating theatre a relieving ascites puncture was performed and the ventilation parameters improved immediately thereafter. During the following hospitalization the ascites has spontaneously, completely and definitely resorbed. The newborn was released into home care 49 days after delivery.
Conclusion: Idiopatic isolated fetal ascites is a relatively rare diagnosis with a favourable outcome. The etiology of ascites could not be identified.
Keywords: fetal ascites; isolated.