EMQ — Extended Matching Question · Review
Question 765
Obstetric infection → Viral
Classification
Question
EEMQQuestion Header
Select the single most appropriate fetal surveillance finding.
Question Stem
A woman develops chickenpox at 14 weeks and attends fetal medicine 5 weeks later. Which ultrasound finding would be recognised as a possible manifestation of fetal varicella syndrome?
Answer Bank
A
Isolated polyhydramnios only
B
Limb deformity with soft-tissue calcification
C
Placenta praevia
D
Isolated macrosomia
E
Ovarian cyst
F
Isolated short cervix
G
Velamentous cord insertion
H
Maternal ascites
Correct Answer
B. Limb deformity with soft-tissue calcification
Explanation
Prenatal ultrasound may demonstrate manifestations associated with fetal varicella syndrome, including limb deformity, microcephaly, hydrocephalus, soft-tissue calcification and fetal growth restriction. Detailed ultrasound is therefore performed after an appropriate interval following maternal infection.
Option Validity
A) Isolated polyhydramnios is not listed as a characteristic diagnostic finding.
C) Placenta praevia is unrelated to FVS.
D) Fetal growth restriction rather than macrosomia is recognised.
E) An ovarian cyst is not a characteristic manifestation.
F) Short cervix is not a characteristic FVS finding.
G) Velamentous cord insertion is unrelated.
H) Maternal ascites is not a fetal ultrasound manifestation of FVS.
Further Reading
RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 13. Chickenpox in Pregnancy. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; January 2015, minor update 2024.