Arteriovenous fistula after fetal penetration at amniocentesis.

AMNIOCENTESIS is being performed more frequently to facilitate prenatal diagnosis of an increasing number of inherited and congenital disorders.1 Although the potential benefits of this procedure are considerable, definite complications may occur. Among the more serious fetal complications are pneumothorax,2 splenic lacer-ation,3 subdural hematoma,4 and cardiac tamponade.5 In the case reported below a fistula between aorta and pulmonary vein developed after fetal penetration during amniocentesis. Case Report A 4 1/2-year-old asymptomatic girl presented to the pediatric cardiology clinic at Georgetown University Hospital for evaluation of a recently noted cardiac murmur. Because of suspected fetal immaturity the patient's mother had undergone . . .