FETAL-MATERNAL HYDROPS SYNDROME IN HUMAN PARVOVIRUS INFECTION

A case of maternal generalized edema with hyponatremia, hypoosmolality and secondary hyperaldosteronism was associated with pseudomolar plas ma human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) concentrations in a case of feta l and placental hydrops due to parvovirus B19 infection. Digoxigenin i n situ hybridization techniques were effective in demonstrating parvov irus B19 infection on fixed tissues. Hydropic changes in the placenta may have massively increased the maternal plasma hCG concentration wit h subsequent fluid imbalance leading to maternal hydrops mimicking mol ar pregnancy.