Definition of Fetal pleural effusion Fetal pleural effusion: In
the fetus, excess fluid between the two membranes (the pleurae)
that envelop the lungs. The pleural effusion may be unilateral
(in one lung) or bilateral (in both lungs) and it may be an
isolated finding in an otherwise normal fetus or be associated
with generalized edema (hydrops). If untreated, fetal pleural
effusion often causes severe, sometimes fatal, respiratory
insufficiency in the neonatal period. Treatment is by the
prenatal insertion of a thoracoamniotic shunt (to shunt the
pleural effusion into the amniotic fluid). Survival after this
procedure is over 90% in fetuses with isolated pleural effusion
and about 50% in those with associated hydrops. Last Editorial
Review: 6/14/2012 Medical Dictionary Definitions A - Z Search
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