Fetal ascites not associated with Rh incompatibility: recognition and management with sonography

Abstract

Fetal ascites not associated with Rh incompatibility is an uncommon problem that can be detected in utero by sonography. The sonographer should make a systematic search for the cause of ascites in a given case on the basis of well known etiologic possibilities, since this may have a significant effect on the obstetrical management. The use of sonography in the detection, etiologic evaluation, and obstetrical management of nonimmunologic fetal ascites is discussed, and experience with 10 such cases is reported.