ABSTRACT

The fluid may be seen as a cystic collection or as pleural or pericardial effusion. Cystic collections in the lungs or mediastinum need to be dealt with as chest tumors. Pleural effusion is seen as fluid collection around the compressed lung. Pleural or pericardial effusions may occur simultaneously in some conditions but usually tend to be independent of each other. Pleural effusion may present as part of a generalized immune or non-immune fetal hydrops, accompanying a structural anomaly or, more rarely, an isolated finding. Most primary pleural effusions become chylous and occur either due to excessive production or reduced reabsorption of lymphatic fluid. A thorough search should be made to identify any possible associated structural abnormality in the fetus and in the placenta. Placental chorioangioma is sometimes forgotten in these situations, but forms an important treatable cause for the hyperdynamic circulation and cardiac failure.