Three-dimensional sonographic features of hydrops fetalis

Objective: To describe three-dimensional (3-D) sonographic features of hydr ops fetalis. Methods: A total of 6 cases with hydrops fetalis from 15 to 32 weeks of gestation were studied with transabdominal 3-D sonography (3.5 MH z), Results: Before around 20 weeks of gestation, the skin becomes a transp arent-like structure, so internal organs can be clearly identified. After 2 5 weeks, skin edema, pleural effusion, and ascites were well depicted. In t he case with pleural effusion, hypoplastic lungs were clearly recognized. C onclusion: These results suggest that 3-D sonography provides a novel means of visualizing hydrops fetalis in utero.