CASE REPORT OF FETAL ASCITES CAUSED BY PRENATAL PERFORATION OF BOWEL

The detection of isolated ascites is a rare ultrasound finding. A precise examination should be undertaken in all cases fetal ascites. This include following a systematic protocol for diagnosis. The prognosis of the newborn in case of prenatal diagnosed ascites, depends on the etiology of the ascites. This is a case report of 40 years old pregnant women, at 34 weeks of gestation. During routine ultrasound examination at 33 weeks of gestation fetal ascites, has been diagnosed. The aim of our team was to examine the etiology of the ascites. We performed systematic diagnostic test and series of ultrasound examination, which helped us to diagnose fetal ascites, caused by bowel perforation. The good timing of delivery and postnatal surgical treatment were associated with good neonatal outcome. In cases of prenatal diagnosed ascites, the desirable good neonatal outcome requires multidisciplinary approach and team work of obstetric consultant, fetal medicine consultants, neonatologists and pediatric surgeons. However the parents should be counselled that not all of the associated anomalies could be diagnosed prenatally.