PRENATAL ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS OF MULTIPLE CARDIAC RHABDOMYOMAS

We report on a case of a fetus in the 32(nd) week of gestation where e chocardiography revealed multiple cardiac rhabdomyomas, including a bi g rhabdomyoma of the left ventricular wall. The following examination in the 33(rd) week of gestation confirmed that there was no viability because of the increasing hydrops fetalis caused by the progressively increasing cardiac insufficiency. The parents, therefore, decided to t erminate the pregnancy. Autopsy was in accordance to prenatal ultrasou nd diagnosis. Possibilities of diagnosis, differential diagnostic cons iderations, prognosis and restricted measures of therapy are discussed . Association between rhabdomyomas and tuberous sclerosis (51 - 86%) i s pointed out.