Fetal pleural effusion and Down syndrome

Fetal pleural effusion is a rare abnormality that results from accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. It can be classified as primary fetal hydrothorax and secondary fetal hydrothorax. The underlying causes of pleural effusion are still unknown, and the current treatment strategies are mainly based on symptoms. The prognosis of fetal pleural effusion varies significantly, ranging from spontaneous resolution to perinatal death. Recent advances in prenatal diagnostic methods and treatment such as thoracoamniotic shunting have significantly improved the survival rates for patients with or without hydrops.

Rare case of massive congenital bilateral chylothorax in a hydropic fetus with true mosaicism 47,XXX/46,XX

Fetal congenital chylothorax is a rare condition that occurs sporadically or can be associated with abnormal karyotype or structural chromosomal anomalies. We report a unique case of fetal congenital bilateral chylothorax associated with mosaicism 47,XXX/46,XX. A female fetus affected by massive bilateral hydrothorax and ascites was diagnosed at 34(+1) weeks of gestation. Previous ultrasonographic exams were completely normal. Immune causes of hydrops were excluded. Elective cesarean section was performed soon after bilateral thoracocentesis. The analysis of drained pleural fluid revealed its lymphatic nature. The fetal karyotyping, performed on chorionic villi at the 11th week, had shown mosaicism 47,XXX/46,XX, later confirmed in the newborn's blood. We hypothesized that chylothorax may be part of the phenotypic spectrum of 47 XXX karyotype and we suggest an ultrasound follow-up of the fetus at closer intervals than the routine timing for this condition, even if it is not usually characterized by severe phenotypic features.

Advances in whole-genome genetic testing: from chromosomes to microarrays

Whole-genome genetic diagnostics has changed the clinical landscape of pediatric and adolescent medicine. In this article, we review the history of clinical cytogenetics as the field has progressed from studying chromosomes prepared from cells squashed between 2 slides to the high-resolution, whole-genome technology in use today, which has allowed for the identification of numerous previously unrecognized microdeletion and microduplication syndromes. Types of arrays and the data they collect are addressed, as are the types of results that array comparative genomic hybridization studies may generate. Throughout the review, we present case stories to illustrate the familiar (Down syndrome) and the new (a never-before reported microdeletion on the long arm of chromosome 12).

Thrombolysis for Central Venous Occlusion Causing Bilateral Chylothorax in a Patient with Down Syndrome

A 20-year-old woman with Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented with severe respiratory compromise secondary to bilateral chylothorax as a result of central venous thrombosis and extensive upper-limb deep venous thrombosis. The chylothorax was successfully managed by catheter-directed thrombolysis and angioplasty of the venous occlusions. The development of venous thrombosis was likely to have been multifactorial. It is recognized that there is an increased incidence of congenital lymphatic anomalies in Down syndrome, which may have been a contributing factor in the development of chylothorax in this patient. This report illustrates the angiographic findings, demonstrates the successful vascular recanalization, and discusses the etiology and management of central venous thrombosis and chylothorax. The case is also presented to contribute to the expanding evidence in support of catheter-directed venous thrombolysis in selected clinical circumstances.