Prenatal Diagnosis of Obstructive Hydrocephalus Associated With Parvovirus B19 Infection

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine parvovirus B19 infection is a well-known cause for hydrops fetalis and fetal demise. We present a case of isolated fetal obstructive hydrocephalus caused by an intrauterine parvovirus B19 infection. CASE: A 23-year-old woman, gravida 3 para 2, was referred for fetal obstructive hydrocephalus. Although there were no signs of fetal anemia, increased maternal parvovirus B19-specific immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M raised the suspicion of fetal infection. This was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction in the amniotic fluid. Elective cesarean delivery was performed at 34 weeks of gestation, followed by craniotomy and placement of shunt. At the age of 20 months, the child's development was in accordance with his age, with the exception of gross motor function, which was moderately delayed. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of fetal obstructive hydrocephalus should include maternal serological tests for parvovirus B19.

[1]  F. Bonvicini,et al.  Diagnosis of fetal parvovirus B19 infection: value of virological assays in fetal specimens , 2009, BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology.

[2]  V. D’addario,et al.  Sonographic diagnosis of fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly: An update , 2007, The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians.

[3]  S. Serero,et al.  Isolated Fetal Hyperechogenic Bowel Associated with Intra-Uterine Parvovirus B19 Infection , 2005, Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy.

[4]  J. Towbin,et al.  Prevalence of viral DNA in amniotic fluid of low-risk pregnancies in the second trimester , 2003, The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians.

[5]  K. Zerres,et al.  Congenital hydrocephalus internus and aqueduct stenosis: aetiology and implications for genetic counselling , 1999, European Journal of Pediatrics.

[6]  M. Zerbini,et al.  Intra‐uterine parvovirus B19 infection and meconium peritonitis , 1998, Prenatal diagnosis.

[7]  J. Kuller,et al.  An association between fetal parvovirus B19 infection and fetal anomalies: a report of two cases. , 1996, American journal of perinatology.