Hydrops fetalis is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in two or more fetal compartments (skin edema, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, ascites), with non-immune causes now accounting for >90% of cases. Prenatal ultrasound is the primary diagnostic modality, detecting fluid accumulations, placental thickening (>5mm with ground-glass appearance), and polyhydramnios. Middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) is used to screen for fetal anemia.
ICD-10 Code: P83.2 | MeSH ID: D015514 | Primary Anatomy: Fetus, Placenta
Key Reference: PubMed: PMID: 18854591