Ultrasonic diagnosis of fetal ascites with polyhydramnios resulting from partial small intestine atresia and secondary intestinal wall perforation

: A primigravida was admitted to hospital in the 31st week of pregnancy after normal pregnancy course, with premature rupture of the amnion. Ultrasonography revealed a marked fetal ascites as well as polyhydramnion. Pregnancy was terminated via Caesarean section because of threatening intrauterine asphyxia. The asphyctic, hypotonic infant, which did not show any visible malformation, was intubated and the ascites was punctured. After a brief recovery, the infant died 24 hours post partum. Autopsy revealed partial atresia of the small intestine with secondary perforation of the intestinal wall, as well as a fibrinous-purulent peritonitis. Pathogenesis of the foetal ascites, as well as the possibilities of diagnosis via sonography in case of fetal malformations, are discussed on the basis of the present case and previous literature.