A very rare cause of hydrops fetalis: idiopathic infantile arterial calcification.

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterised by extensive calcification and proliferation of the intimal layer of the large and medium sized arteries.

METHODS AND

OBJECTIVES

The diagnosis is usually made at autopsy or in the neonatal period, when there is cardiac failure. Prenatal diagnosis is possible in the latter half of pregnancy when there are hyperechoic vessel walls, hypertrophied ventricular musculature, and nonimmune fetal hydrops. The number of cases diagnosed before birth is low.

RESULTS

This study presents a 27-week pregnant patient diagnosed with widespread calcification in the aorta and pulmonary arteries, severe pericardial effusion, and hydrops fetalis during fetal echocardiographic examination.

CONCLUSION

This case report reminds paediatric cardiologists, radiologists, and perinatologists that they should be familiar with widespread arterial calcification. It emphasises that idiopathic infantile arterial calcification, a very rare condition, should be considered among the etiologic factors when hydrops fetalis is detected on ultrasound.