Recognition of the hydropic fetus by gray scale ultrasound.

The use of gray scale B mode provides more effective visualization for sonographic evaluation of fetal ascities. Two cases of severely Rh isoimmunized fetuses with hydrops and one fetus with hydrops secondary to chylous ascites are presented to show the ultrasonic features of diagnosis of fetal edema and ascities. Thus, ultrasonic evaluation in known cases of Rh isoimmunization or diabetes provides additional information on the status of the fetus in utero and rapid recognition of fetal hydrops. This additional information aids in the management of the pregnancy and in the determination of the time of delivery.