cirrhosis
description
the aetiology is unknown. haemolytic disease has been described as producing parenchymal changes in the fetal liver but not cirrhosis. biliary atresia and some metabolic disorders have been associated but not described antenatally.
diagnosis
the diagnosis may be considered in the presence of ascites and an abnormal liver. the small size of the liver would be suggestive.
differential diagnosis
the differential should include the causes of ascites.
sonographic features
second trimester, sonolucent areas within liver
ascites at all stages
third trimester, small liver with an irregular margin and less apparent sonolucent areas