Fetal constrictive pericardial defect with pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis

Pericardial defect is a rare anomaly that has a variable presentation. Prompt recognition and early surgical intervention are associated with a favorable outcome. The authors present an unusual case of unexpected fetal demise in a 31-week-gestational-age girl who had a large pericardial defect forming a constrictive ring around both ventricular chambers. The defect coexisted with pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis, an association that has not been reported in cases of pericardial defect. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.