Pleurocentesis
Fetal pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity of a developing fetus
As the fluid increases, it can compress the developing lungs and heart
Cause of pleural effusion in a fetus are
- Genetic issues
- Infection
- Heart or lung condition
A pleural effusion typically presents before the 32nd week of pregnancy
If fluid accumulates in the fetal chest and is severely compressing the fetal heart and lungs, we can perform a thoracentesis, a procedure performed under continuous ultrasound guidance in which we use a small needle to drain the fluid.