PSEUDOASCITES

Pseudoascites is a hypoechoic band around the perimeter of the anterior surface of the abdomen, and represents the abdominal musculature of the fetus.
It may resemble true ascites because of its low level echogenicity.

CRITERIA FOR DIAGNOSIS

1. It is confined to the anterior and anterolateral aspects of the abdomen.
2. Should be traceable to the ends of the ribs of the fetus (1).
3. It is not found in the peritoneal recesses.
4. It does not outline the falciform ligament or umbilical vein.
5. It does not outline intra-abdominal structures such as bowel or the intra-abdominal extrahepatic umbilical vein.

Pseudoascites	True ascites

REFERENCES

1. Hashimoto BE, Filly RA, Callen PW. Fetal pseudoascites: further anatomic observations. J Ultrasound Med 1986;5:151-152.