Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of congenital varicella syndrome

J Clin Ultrasound. 2012 Mar-Apr;40(3):176-8. doi: 10.1002/jcu.21891. Epub 2012 Feb 10.

Abstract

Congenital varicella syndrome is a rare disorder occurring in less than 1% of maternal varicella during early pregnancy but is associated with high fetal morbidity and mortality. This case report aimed to describe the sonographic features of congenital varicella syndrome following maternal varicella. Well-documented maternal chicken pox was made at 12 weeks of gestation and prenatal ultrasound was performed at 16 weeks. Striking sonographic features included hydropic changes and disseminated calcifications in multiple organs, especially liver and myocardium. Elective termination of pregnancy was done at 17 weeks. The presence of disseminated calcifications could suggest the diagnosis of congenital varicella syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple / diagnostic imaging
  • Abortion, Eugenic
  • Adult
  • Chickenpox / congenital*
  • Chickenpox / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious*
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal / methods*
  • Young Adult