Ultrasonic real-time diagnosis of transitory fetal pleural and pericardial effusion.

Congenital fetal effusions are rare and often fatal. Prenatal ultrasonic diagnosis is an important factor in both diagnosis and management of this condition. We report a case with both pleural and pericardial effusion, the ultrasonic diagnosis and follow-up, and the birth of a healthy baby. A short review of the literature is given.