Causes of Fluid Around the Heart in a Fetus

Rh Disease
Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Other Causes

Written by Sharon Perkins

05 December, 2018

Excessive fluid buildup around the heart, known as pericardial effusion, can be diagnosed on fetal ultrasound. Pericardial effusion can interfere with the heart’s ability to pump blood to the rest of the body, affecting growth and vitality of the fetus. A number of conditions can cause accumulation of fluid around the fetal heart.

Rh Disease

The Rh factor is a protein found on red blood cells in 85 percent of people who are said to be Rh-positive. Rh disease develops in an Rh-positive fetus whose mother is Rh-negative. Rh disease doesn’t develop until a woman has had at least one pregnancy. Fetal blood cells cross the placenta in small amounts and cause the mother to develop antibodies which attack the abnormal blood cells. In subsequent pregnancies, the antibodies cross the placenta and attack the blood of an Rh-positive fetus. Red blood cells are destroyed and the fetus becomes severely iron deficient. The fetus retains fluid, or edema, which may occur around the heart. This fluid may be visible on ultrasound when the fetal hemoglobin drops below the normal levels for gestational age of the fetus.

The Rh factor is a protein found on red blood cells in 85 percent of people who are said to be Rh-positive.
In subsequent pregnancies, the antibodies cross the placenta and attack the blood of an Rh-positive fetus.

Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome

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Twin to twin transfusion syndrome, also called TTTS, affects only identical twins, especially those who share the same amniotic sac. Identical twins, who develop from the same embryo, share a placenta. As blood circulates through the placenta, one twin may end up with too much blood circulating and the other may not have enough blood. Both twins may develop heart failure, but for different reasons.

Twin to twin transfusion syndrome, also called TTTS, affects only identical twins, especially those who share the same amniotic sac.
Identical twins, who develop from the same embryo, share a placenta.

Other Causes

Several other conditions can cause fluid accumulation around the heart in a fetus. Fetal heart failure leads to pericardial effusion. Congenital heart disease and heart arrhythmias may cause fluid accumulation. Cysts, infection and an abnormal opening between the abdomen and chest cavity, can also lead to pericardial effusion. Pericardial effusion on ultrasound may also indicate an increased risk of Down syndrome in a fetus 1.