Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis

Abstract

As part of the initial diagnostic evaluation of a case of nonimmune hydrops fetalis, primary maternal infection with parvovirus B19 was documented. As no other etiology for the observed fetal abnormalities was found, intrauterine infection with parvovirus was felt to be the cause. Upon follow-up examination, spontaneous resolution of the nonimmune hydrops was noted, and the patient was delivered of a normal infant at term. This case provides additional insight into the natural history of parvovirus infection during pregnancy and documents for the first time that even in a case where the fetus is severely infected, spontaneous in utero recovery may occur.