Fetal Brain Injury in Rhesus Isoimmunization Fetus.

This report presents a rare fetal and neonatal complication brain injury (encephalomalacia and ventriculomegaly) as a consequence of severe fetal anemia resulting from Rhesus (Rh) isoimmunization. A 28-year-old gravida 4 para 3 woman was referred at 21+4 weeks of gestation to the fetal medicine clinic as a case of Rh isoimmunization. Fetal ultrasound showed a normal anatomy scan with normal brain structure, but with severe fetal anemia. The patient was treated with multiple intrauterine transfusions, but still developed complications post-transfusions. This case shows that severe cerebral developmental anomalies can occur because of severe fetal anemia secondary to Rh isoimmunization, such as in this case - ventriculomegaly and encephalomalacia. It has been concluded that proper antenatal counseling and early intervention for severe fetal anemia are beneficial to prevent such complications from occurring. It is crucial to consider appropriate antenatal and postnatal radiological imaging for such cases.

Neonatal Pericardial Effusion and Tamponade After Umbilical Venous Catheter Insertion and the Use of Saline Contrast Echo as a Diagnostic Tool.

BACKGROUND Umbilical venous catheter (UVC) insertion is a standard of care in neonatal units. Pericardial effusion, one of the rare but fatal complications of UVC insertion, requires rapid diagnosis and management, and saline contrast echocardiography may enable effective diagnosis. Here, we have reported on the case of pericardial effusion after UVC insertion, highlighted the use of saline contrast echocardiography as a diagnostic tool, and reviewed the available literature on this infrequent life-threatening complication. CASE REPORT A 31-week-old preterm male infant developed a life-threatening cardiac tamponade 1 day after UVC insertion. Pericardiocentesis was performed, and saline contrast echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that pericardial effusion and tamponade should be considered in neonates with a central line who develop sudden and unexplained deterioration. Saline contrast echocardiography can confirm the optimal position of central lines and diagnose pericardial effusion related to UVC insertion.