Foetal Pericardial Effusion

[MeganJay]

On the 1st of November we had our morphology scan which revealed a 3mm pericardial effusion in the right side of our little girl's growing heart.

We had a repeat scan 2 weeks later and it has increased to 6mm. They are unsure of the cause currently but have essentially ruled out anemia or down syndrome as the cause. They feel I may have been exposed to a pathogen during our honeymoon in Thailand and I am awaiting feedback on blood tests.

Has anyone else had their baby experience it, and if so would they be willing to share their experience? I appreciate all your input.

[Bree84]

I haven't experienced this but wanted to give you a ((GBH))

[MeganJay]

Thanks Bree - trust me I get plenty from my gorgeous mum!

We saw the obstetrician yesterday, viral scans came back negative so they have no idea what caused it. So far they've ruled out: virus/infection, down syndrome, anaemia.

They're just watching & waiting now for it to worsen, or resolve with weekly scans. Currently they said she is coping fine with it, so there's no 'magic number' at which they intervene, simply just when she starts to struggle to cope.

[frenchieM]

How scary, keep us updated...

[MrsL]

i too just want to send u virtual ((((((((((GBHs!)))))))))))

While i didn't go through what you are exactly, i did have complicated pregnancies and as u can see from my signature my 1st son was born with a very rare medical condition. Then my 2nd pregnancy had to be watched carefully and my worst fears happened when DS2 started measuring very small for dates. I had to have weekly US from 28 weeks and CTGs . . it got very tiring and heartbreaking and stressful . . . not knowing what was wrong . . . how early he would arrive?? Whether he would have diabetes like his big brother. No one could give us any answers, just do loads of tests and monitoring.

Its horrible to have your pregnancy "taken" away . . . no longer being able to enjoy it, just stress the whole time and wonder if your precious baby is ok. So just letting you know, your never alone . . . . while most ppl have great pregnancies and healthy babies, not all of us do. For your sake and your baby's, i hope this (is it fluid/growth?) just goes and you can just relax a lil and enjoy your pregnancy . . . its truly devestating to have that taken from you.

Plz keep us posted . . stay well.

[MeganJay]

Hi ladies, thank you all for your supportive messages. It is greatly appreciated.

Sorry, I forgot to explain what a pericardial effusion is:

"Pericardial effusion ("fluid around the heart") is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity. Because of the limited amount of space in the pericardial cavity, fluid accumulation will lead to an increased intrapericardial pressure and this can negatively affect heart function. When there is a pericardial effusion with enough pressure to adversely affect heart function, this is called cardiac tamponade. Pericardial effusion usually results from a disturbed equilibrium between the production and re-absorption of pericardial fluid, or from a structural abnormality that allows fluid to enter the pericardial cavity." - Wikipedia

We had another ultrasound today, both good & bad news. The good? The effusion has reduced in size to 3.8-4mm in size.

The bad? Her right atrium now appears dilated and there is a ?vessel that appears to be going into the pericardial sac. The sonographer is not 100% sure the cause, or what it really is, so we have to see a Paediatric Cardiologist this wednesday for follow up at the Children's Hospital down the road (my old workplace, actually).

I'm just exhausted now.. every week is a new story, we just have to take it all a day/week at a time really. Watching & waiting...

[MrsL]

Hi Megan ;-)

Glad the fluid has reduced! Such good news! (take anything u can get!) I guess its just a matter of waiting to see what the cardiologist says . . . i hope the appt is positive tomorrow. It also helps that you know the hosp . . . i now know my Childrens Hosp very well (due to our regular diabetes check ups for Isaac) so it seems far less intimmidating and less scary and alien.

Chin up and keep up the good work . . . positive attitude will carry you a long way. Good luck tomorrow!

[hatwttl]

Thinking of you, all the best for today Meganjay.

[MeganJay]

Hi ladies, thanks for all the support.

We saw the cardiologist today, no MORE bad news. He said at this stage there's still no need to intervene and that ultrasounds are very difficult to detect baby heart defects as they can't pick up more than 50% of anomalies.

Basically we're still scanning every 2 weeks and just watching & waiting, and if she starts to show signs of distress they'll intervene, otherwise he will review her when she's born, and when she's 6-8 weeks old as apparently the heart & it's circulation doesn't start to act like ours (what he calls external heart, compared to foetal/internal) until that time.

[MrsL]

So glad your appt was positive! I hope you can relax a lil more now (i kno u'll prb just stress any way) but you can try and relax! Your in good hands and they are aware of the possible issues, so this is good!