Polymicrogyria in a fetus with human parvovirus B19 infection: a case with radiologic–pathologic correlation

Abstract

We report the prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of polymicrogyria with pathologic correlation in a fetus with congenital parvovirus B19 infection. Prenatal ultrasound revealed non-immune hydrops, but detected no fetal brain abnormalities. A subsequent fetal MRI scan performed at 23 weeks' gestation demonstrated bilateral polymicrogyria, which was confirmed at autopsy. To our knowledge, prenatal diagnosis of polymicrogyria in association with congenital parvovirus B19 infection has not been previously described. This case provides further evidence for brain abnormalities resulting from congenital parvovirus B19 infection, and suggests that fetal neuroimaging with MRI would be of value in suspected cases of congenital parvovirus infection.