Pleural Effusion
Fig 1, Fig 2
Pleural effusion is one of the most common chest abnormalities; the most common cause of pleural effusion is hydrops fetalis secondary to various causes whereas it is due to isolated chylothorax in the minority of cases
- Isolated primary chylothorax
- Hydrops fetalis secondary to various causes
- Chromosomal abnormalities, especially 45,XO, trisomy 21
- Effusion associated mass, especially diaphragmatic hernia.
Fig 1: Chylothorax Oblique sagittal view of the fetus 21 weeks: pleural effusion (*)
Fig 2: Pleural effusion Cross-sectional scan of thorax: pleural effusion (*) in the left thorax with cardiac displacement to the right
Video clips of chest masses
Chylothorax: Four-chamber view: marked pleural effusion (*) and subcutaneous edema (arrowhead), normal cardiac size
Hydrops fetalis: Four-chamber view: marked pleural effusion (solid circle), normal cardiac size (*), subcutaneous edema (arrow) (arrowhead = spine)
Cardiomegaly / Pleural effusion: Four-chamber view: markedly enlarged, occupying nearly total thoracic area, pleural effusion (arrow) (* = left atrium, arrowhead = spine)