Autopsy on a stillborn fetus reveals cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, edema, and ascites as well as fulminant intrauterine congestive heart failure.Considering these findings, what is the most likely cause of death?
A) Alpha thalassemia minor
B) Alpha thalassemia major
C) Hemoglobin H disease
D) Alpha trait

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alpha thalassemia major, also known as hydrops fetalis, is characterized by the absence of alpha-globin chains, leading to severe anemia, heart failure, and fetal hydrops, which matches the findings of cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, edema, and ascites.

Autopsy on a Stillborn Fetus Reveals Cardiomegaly, Hepatomegaly, Edema, and Ascites