Intrathoracic shunt displacement with massive pleural effusion after successful shunt placement in a hydropic fetus with multilocular macrocystic congenital pulmonary airway malformation

J Clin Ultrasound. 2021 Feb;49(2):149-153. doi: 10.1002/jcu.22886. Epub 2020 Jun 20.

Abstract

We successfully performed shunting for a fetus with a multilocular macrocystic lung mass with hydrops at 22 weeks' gestation. Complete resolution of hydrops was achieved; however, at 35 weeks' gestation, the fetus developed acute massive pleural effusion. Fetal ultrasound examination revealed that one end of the shunting tube had migrated downward in the thoracic cavity, which led to fluid draining from the lung cyst. The baby was delivered at term and was discharged following neonatal intensive care management. Intrathoracic displacement of the shunt can occur, followed by massive pleural effusion due to drainage of cystic fluid.

Keywords: congenital pulmonary airway malformation; hydrops fetalis; pleural effusion; shunt displacement; ultrasonography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation of Lung, Congenital / therapy*
  • Drainage / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrops Fetalis*
  • Pleural Effusion / complications
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnostic imaging
  • Pleural Effusion / etiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal