SPONTANEOUS INTRAUTERINE REMISSION OF FETAL ASCITES IN ONE IDENTICAL TWIN - REPORT OF A CASE WITH ULTRASOUND EVALUATION

BACKGROUND: Fetal ascites is usually a precursor of, ou one of the fin dings in, hydrops fetalis. The spontaneous intrauterine remission of f etal ascites, especially in twin pregnancy, is extremely low. CASE: A woman had sonographically documented fetal ascites in one identical tw in. The workup for immunologic ou nonimmunologic causes was negative e xcept for the absence of end diastolic flow in the umbilical artery, d emonstrated by Doppler ultrasonography in the affected fetus. Subseque nt sonographic examinations demonstrated disappearance of the ascites as resistance of the umbilical artery progressively improved. CONCLUSI ON: In evaluating the hemodynamic changes in this condition, Doppler u ltrasonography can elucidate the pathophysiology of fetal ascites form ation in a monochorionic twin and also provide information for guiding management.