Color Doppler identification of a pericardial effusion in the fetus.

The aim of the study was to determine whether color Doppler identifies abnormal fluid within the pericardial space of the fetal were referred for heart. Second- and third-trimester fetuses diagnostic ultrasound. The four-chamber view of the fetal heart was imaged with real-time ultrasonography and examined for the presence or absence of separation of the pericardium from the epicardium, which extended from the atrioventricular junction toward the apex of the ventricle.

The association between an abnormal nuchal skin fold, trisomy 21, and ultrasound abnormalities identified during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Fetal echocardiography and a detailed non-cardiovascular ultrasound examination were performed prospectively between 14 and 23 weeks of gestation prior to genetic amniocentesis in 2800 consecutive fetuses at increased risk for trisomy 21 due to advanced maternal age or a low maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein. An abnormal nuchal skin fold was defined as >or=6 mm. Of 2800 fetuses, 23 (0.