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Hydrops fetalis in association with meconium peritonitis is a rare condition, and the mechanism underlying hydropic changes has not been fully recognized. We present a case of fetal meconium peritonitis with hydrops and coagulopathy. Clinically, the cause of fetal disseminated intravascular coagulation is considered to be a consequence of a systematic inflammatory response based on progressive, but mild fetal anemia without other apparent triggers, thrombocytopenia, elevated white blood cell count and serum C reactive-protein, hypoalbuminemia, and increased vascular permeability. The infant was born at 32 weeks of gestation and survived after postnatal multidisciplinary treatment. Our experience suggests that recognition of this rare condition will enable early diagnosis and better clinical management for fetuses with meconium peritonitis.

Background The objectives in this report are to present data on echocardiographic imaging of fetuses with congenital structural heart diseases using wide-band Doppler and to discuss the practical application of this unique display modality in the field of fetal echocardiography. Methods We performed fetal echocardiography using wide-band Doppler technology and examined fetuses that were at various gestational ages between January 2004 and December 2007. Results Satisfactory blood flow signals could be obtained using the wide-band Doppler; this has increased the understanding of fetal cardiovascular hemodynamics. Conclusions Wide-band Doppler appears a color flow mapping method that can contribute toward better understanding of fetal cardiovascular hemodynamics; it is also expected to provide greater accuracy in fetal echocardiography.

Background Advanced Dynamic Flow (ADF), the software loaded in Toshiba's Aplio series of ultrasound apparatus (Toshiba Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan), is useful for the detailed examination of small vessels such as fetoplacental or umbilical cord vasculature because of its high resolution and low blooming. The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy with which the fetoplacental vasculature is depicted by three-dimensional ultrasonic angiography using ADF. Materials and Methods Approximately 100 placentas, umbilical cords and fetuses, with and without abnormalities, at various gestational ages were investigated over a period of 1 year. We performed freehand scanning with the sector-scanning bracket using a three-dimensional magnetic position sensor. Results The umbilical cord insertion, placental vasculature, and superficial anastomosis in a monochorionic placenta were clearly depicted. Fetal vessels such as those of the portal and hepatic venous system could be clearly reconstructed. Conclusion ADF is suitable for the accurate depiction of fetoplacental vasculature for the three-dimensional reconstruction of vessels. The technique of three-dimensional ultrasonic angiography using ADF is reliable for visualizing fetal, umbilical and placental vasculature.