Characteristics and outcomes of fetuses with pericardial effusions.

Little is known about the characteristics and outcomes of fetuses with pericardial effusions (PEs); therefore, this study sought to identify factors associated with fetal PEs and the natural histories and outcomes of fetuses with PEs. Large PEs are associated with a greater likelihood of structural heart disease, impaired cardiac function, and chromosomal abnormalities, and PEs with hydrops or extracardiac malformations are associated with death. Most fetal PEs resolve, and fetuses with isolated PEs have a very good prognosis.