Late onset of hydrops fetalis following intrauterine parvovirus B19 infection

We present a case of intrauterine parvovirus B19 infection, diagnosed by detection of B19 DNA in the amniotic fluid obtained at 15 weeks of gestation for chromosome analysis in an asymptomatic pregnancy, causing hydrops fetalis 7 weeks later. Following intrauterine transfusion, rapid resolution of hydrops could be observed and a healthy boy was born at 38 weeks of gestation. The respective laboratory data obtained from the examination of the amniotic fluid and maternal, fetal, and neonatal blood offer interesting insights into the dynamics of maternal-fetal parvovirus B19 infection.