AN ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FETAL PARVOVIRUS B19 INFECTION AND FETAL ANOMALIES - A REPORT OF 2 CASES

The association between fetal parvovirus B19 infection and hydrops was first reported in 1984. The virus has a predilection for the erythroi d cell line, which in the fetus may produce anemia. Recent cases of pa rvovirus infection in other fetal cell lines have raised concern that the infection may induce fetal anomalies in rare cases. We report two pregnancies complicated by parvovirus B19 infection. In each instance the patient had normal second trimester ultrasounds but subsequently d eveloped fetal abnormalities-disruptions of normal structure. One infa nt had myocardial infarction, splenic calcifications, and mild hydroce phalus. The other had moderate hydrocephalus with central nervous syst em scarring. There are two possible mechanisms in which parvovirus may induce fetal anomalies. Both direct infection of fetal organs and vas cular inflammation have been documented in association with B19 parvov irus. Although fetal abnormalities associated with parvovirus are rare , continued study of this organism may indicate a greater pathologic p otential than is now thought.