Fetal right ventricular diverticulum with pericardial effusion: report of a new case treated by in utero pericardiocentesis

Abstract

Right ventricular diverticulum associated with pericardial effusion was diagnosed in a male fetus at 13 weeks of gestation. Screening for infectious, chromosomal, or structural disease was negative. Because there was concern about pulmonary hypoplasia, fetal pericardiocentesis was performed at 17 weeks of gestation. The pericardial fluid did not reaccumulate, and the diverticulum decreased and finally disappeared before the third trimester. The diverticulum could not be seen on the neonatal echocardiography scan performed on the full-term live baby, who was delivered vaginally. The child is doing well at 11 months of age. Given the good outcome of this case, in utero drainage should be considered in similar cases.