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Hydrops due to myocarditis in a fetus
K Benirschke1, W H Swartz, G Leopold
1Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla.
The American Journal of Cardiovascular Pathology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Fetal hydrops, characterized by fluid accumulation, was diagnosed in a fetus. Post-abortion analysis revealed Coxsackie virus B5 myocarditis as a potential cause, a finding previously undocumented in fetuses.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Fetal Medicine
- Virology
Background:
- Fetal hydrops is a serious condition characterized by generalized edema in a fetus.
- Etiologies of fetal hydrops are diverse, often requiring extensive investigation.
- Advanced maternal age is a risk factor for various fetal complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiology of fetal hydrops in a fetus diagnosed at 18 weeks gestation.
- To document pathological findings in fetal and placental tissues.
- To explore potential infectious causes of fetal hydrops.
Main Methods:
- Sonographic evaluation of the fetus at 18 weeks gestation.
- Documentation of fetal effusions and ascites.
- Post-abortion examination of fetal and placental tissues.
- Serological testing for maternal antibodies to Coxsackie virus B5.
Main Results:
- Sonography revealed fetal hydrops with ascites, pleural, and pericardial effusions.
- Fetal and placental examination confirmed myocarditis and thyroiditis.
- Maternal serology showed a onefold rise in antibodies to Coxsackie virus B5.
Conclusions:
- The findings tentatively suggest Coxsackie virus B5 myocarditis as a cause of fetal hydrops.
- Myocarditis associated with Coxsackie virus B5 is a newly identified lesion in fetuses.
- This case highlights the importance of considering viral etiologies in unexplained fetal hydrops.