Prenatal diagnosis and outcome of a ruptured aneurysm arising from the left atrium

Abstract

Prenatal diagnosis of a fetal cardiac aneurysm or diverticula is rare. We report what we believe to be the first case of an atrial wall aneurysm diagnosed as ruptured or leaking by fetal pericardiocentesis. Spontaneous resolution of the anomaly was observed in the third trimester with delivery of a vigorous newborn at term. The infant did not require surgical intervention after birth and has done well at follow-up examinations.