Transient hydrops fetalis associated with intrauterine cytomegalovirus infection: prenatal diagnosis

Intrauterine cytomegalovirus infection is usually unrecognized during pregnancy. However, in some cases, ultrasound abnormalities can be observed in association with cytomegalovirus infection.

The prenatal diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection in a fetus with transient hydrops is reported. Fetal ascites was first recognized by routine ultrasound examination at 20 weeks' gestation. Hydrops fetalis was obvious at 23 weeks and completely resolved 1 week later. Cytomegalovirus was detected from amniotic fluid samples by centrifugal culture and direct immunofluorescent examination. The diagnosis of maternal primary infection could be established retrospectively by demonstrating immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM seroconversion on sequential sera. The pregnancy was electively terminated. Autopsy findings were consistent with fetal disseminated infection.

Transient hydrops fetalis in association with intrauterine cytomegalovirus infection is infrequent. The resolution of hydrops fetalis could be explained by hepatic dysfunction of limited duration. Amniotic fluid culture is a reliable approach for diagnosing intrauterine cytomegalovirus infection, but does not predict the severity of the disease or the outcome of the pregnancy. The long-term clinical significance of intrauterine cytomegalovirus infection has to be established.