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Bone lesions in an infant with congenital parvovirus b19 infection
Joseph B Cantey1, Marcia A Pritchard, Pablo J Sánchez
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
Insights
Congenital parvovirus B19 infection can cause bone lesions in newborns, even leading to hydrops fetalis. These skeletal findings in infants often resolve naturally within weeks.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Skeletal Radiology
Background:
- Bone lesions on radiographs in newborns are often indicative of congenital infections.
- While skeletal surveys are standard for suspected congenital syphilis, bone abnormalities are seen in other congenital infections.
Observation:
- A case report details an infant with hydrops fetalis due to congenital parvovirus B19 infection.
- The infant presented with bone lesions in multiple long and axial bones upon NICU admission.
Findings:
- Extensive evaluation ruled out other congenital infectious agents in both the infant and mother.
- The observed bone lesions showed significant resolution by 10 weeks of age.
Implications:
- Screening neonates with congenital parvovirus B19 infection for bone lesions is suggested.
- This screening may enhance understanding of the incidence and pathophysiology of these skeletal manifestations.
Abstract:
Bone lesions on radiographs of newborns often suggest congenital infections. Skeletal roentgenograms are recommended in the evaluation of suspected congenital syphilis, but bone lesions have been recognized in other congenital infections. We report the case of an infant with hydrops fetalis secondary to congenital parvovirus B19 infection who was found to have bone lesions in multiple long and axial bones on admission to the neonatal ICU. Both the infant and her mother were evaluated for other causes of congenital infection, but no other agents were identified. The bone lesions had nearly completely resolved by 10 weeks of age. Screening of neonates with congenital parvovirus B19 infection for bone lesions may provide additional insight into the incidence and pathophysiology of these lesions.
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