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Question 747
Obstetric infection → Viral
Classification
Question
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Role of fetal MRI after maternal chickenpox
Question Stem
A woman develops chickenpox during pregnancy. Subsequent detailed fetal ultrasound demonstrates morphological abnormalities suspicious for fetal varicella syndrome. Which investigation may provide additional anatomical information?
Options
A
Maternal chest radiography
B
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging
C
Maternal electroencephalography
D
Fetal scalp blood sampling
E
Routine neonatal cranial ultrasound before delivery
Explanation
Detailed ultrasound is the principal imaging assessment for suspected fetal effects following maternal varicella. When ultrasound identifies morphological abnormalities, fetal magnetic resonance imaging may provide additional information. Ultrasound abnormalities associated with fetal varicella syndrome include limb deformity, microcephaly, hydrocephalus, soft-tissue calcification and fetal growth restriction.
Option Validity
A) maternal chest radiography does not provide additional fetal anatomical assessment for FVS.
C) maternal EEG does not assess fetal structural abnormalities.
D) fetal scalp blood sampling has no role in defining the fetal structural consequences described.
E) a postnatal investigation cannot provide the requested prenatal anatomical assessment.
Further Reading
RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 13, Chickenpox in Pregnancy, section 6.2.