Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of multiple cardiac rhabdomyomas

We report on a case of a fetus in the 32(nd) week of gestation where echocardiography revealed multiple cardiac rhabdomyomas, including a big rhabdomyoma of the left ventricular wall. The following examination in the 33(rd) week of gestation confirmed that there was no viability because of the increasing hydrops fetalis caused by the progressively increasing cardiac insufficiency. The parents, therefore, decided to terminate the pregnancy. Autopsy was in accordance to prenatal ultrasound diagnosis. Possibilities of diagnosis, differential diagnostic considerations, prognosis and restricted measures of therapy are discussed. Association between rhabdomyomas and tuberous sclerosis (51 - 86%) is pointed out.