Prenatal diagnosis of tracheal obstruction: possible association with maternal pertussis infection

A fetus with the sonographic appearance of echogenic and enlarged lungs and dilated trachea and bronchi, indicating laryngotracheal obstruction, is reported. Additionally, the fetus had ascites and subcutaneous edema and the amniotic fluid volume was reduced. Doppler flow investigation of the systemic venous circulation revealed signs of heart failure, and color Doppler visualized possible increased pulmonary flow. Following termination of pregnancy, autopsy confirmed the sonographic observations and revealed a hypoplastic thymus. During the present pregnancy the mother suffered from sustained cough, and serological tests revealed acute pertussis infection. Polymerase chain reaction investigation for Bordetella pertussis in the amniotic fluid was negative. The possibilities of pertussis toxins as noxious factors and of an atypical presentation of DiGeorge anomaly are discussed.