A Case of Severe Foetal Hydrops Caused by Intrauterine Occlusion

Overview

The authors describe the case of a neonate with severe generalized hydrops. The cause was dextrolateral cardiacfailure associated with early closure of the foetal ductus arteriosus. The author discusses general causes of foetalhydrops, its diagnosis and general treatment. He emphasizes the possible risk of premature closure of the ductusarteriosus in conjunction with administration of prostaglandin antagonists to pregnant women. The presented casedemonstrates the high reactivity of the foetal and neonatal heart muscle to pressure and the ability of rapidanatomical reconstruction to normal even in case of severe hypertrophy of the cardiac musculature.

Key words:
ductus arteriosus, foetal hydrops, right-sided cardiac failure, hypertrophy of the neonatal heartmuscle