PRENATAL ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS OF FETAL HYDROCEPHALUS DUE TO INFECTION WITH PARAINFLUENZA VIRUS TYPE-3

Parainfluenza virus type 3 is one of the most common causes of respira tory infection in infants. No complications of pregnancy or fetal anom alies have been reported in association with parainfluenza virus infec tion. A pregnancy was terminated at 22 weeks' gestation due to ultraso nographic diagnosis of hydrocephalus. Pathological examination was con sistent with viral encephalitis, ventriculitis and pneumonia. Serologi cal investigation demonstrated a significant rise in maternal antibody titers for parainfluenza virus type 3. Parainfluenza virus type 3 may be associated with severe fetal infection in the first half of pregna ncy. Serological studies for this virus should be considered in cases of fetal hydrocephalus.