A 25-year-old primigravida has a stillbirth at 18 weeks gestation. Her only symptom during pregnancy was pain in both knees and feet, which she attributed to pregnancy-related weight gain and being "on my feet all day" as an elementary school teacher. The pain lasted approximately a week and resolved without medication. The patient was taking prenatal vitamins daily, and her prenatal care was appropriate. Fetal autopsy shows pleural effusion, pulmonary hypoplasia, and ascites. Infection with which of the following is the most likely etiology of the stillbirth?

Question

A 25-year-old primigravida has a stillbirth at 18 weeks gestation.  Her only symptom during pregnancy was pain in both knees and feet, which she attributed to pregnancy-related weight gain and being "on my feet all day" as an elementary school teacher.  The pain lasted approximately a week and resolved without medication.  The patient was taking prenatal vitamins daily, and her prenatal care was appropriate.  Fetal autopsy shows pleural effusion, pulmonary hypoplasia, and ascites.  Infection with which of the following is the most likely etiology of the stillbirth?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Infection with parvovirus B19 (a nonenveloped single-stranded DNA virus) can cause arthralgia with or without rash in adults.  An infected fetus may develop hydrops fetalis (severe anemia, heart failure, pleural effusions, pericardial effusions, and ascites).

A 25-Year-Old Primigravida Has a Stillbirth at 18 Weeks Gestation