Ascites
Accumulation of free fluid in the fetal abdomen and associated conditions.
Ascites refers to an abnormal accumulation of fluid within the abdominal cavity.
Isolated fetal ascites has been associated with a variety of conditions, including: intrauterine infections (such as cytomegalovirus, parvovirus, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, listeria, and hepatitis), upper or lower gastrointestinal obstruction, perforated bowel (meconium peritonitis), genitourinary tract abnormalities, trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Turner syndrome, and early hydrops fetalis. In many cases, however, the underlying cause of ascites remains unknown.
Ultrasound image demonstrating fetal ascites (fluid within the fetal abdomen).