Autopsy on a stillborn fetus reveals cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, edema, and ascites as well as fulminant intrauterine heart failure. Considering these findings, what is the most likely cause of death?

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