Korean J Pathol.  2006 Jun;40(3):245-249.

Hydrops Fetalis Due to Parvovirus B19 Infection: Report of Two Autopsy Cases

• Lee HC
• Lee HE
• Hwang PG
• Chi JG
• Park SH

Abstract

Hydrops fetalis (HF) is a disease characterized by generalized subcutaneous edema and cavity effusion in the fetal stage. We report here on two autopsy cases of HF that were caused by parvovirus B19 (PVB19) infection. The human PVB19 is an erythrovirus that cause diverse clinical manifestations ranging from an asymptomatic or mild presentation to more severe effects such as hydrops fetalis, and this is the only known human pathogenic parvovirus. The gestational ages of the two fetuses were 21 weeks and 23 weeks, respectively. Both fetuses were hydropic and anemic. Hepatic tissues of both fetuses demonstrated erythroblasts with eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions, the so called "lantern cells". PVB19 was confirmed by electron microscopy and immunohistochemical staining. For the diagnosis of this disease, recognition of parvovirus infection as a cause of hydrops fetalis and careful examination of red blood cells with a high-power view are required.

Keyword

Anemia; Erythrovirus; Hydrops fetalis; Parvovirus B19

MeSH Terms

Anemia
Autopsy*
Diagnosis
Edema*
Eosinophils
Erythroblasts
Erythrocytes
Erythrovirus
Fetus
Gestational Age
Humans
Hydrops Fetalis*
Intranuclear Inclusion Bodies
Microscopy, Electron
Parvoviridae Infections
Parvovirus*