Intrauterine hydrops caused by premature closure of the foramen ovale

Abstract

Intrauterine hydrops was diagnosed by two dimensional echocardiography. The fetus had a pericardial effusion and a thick interatrial septum without a foramen ovale flap. The condition was treated by giving the mother digitalis. Postnatally, the effusion had disappeared and a parachute mitral valve was found.