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Fetal toxoplasmosis and negative amniocentesis: necessity of an ultrasound follow‐up
Author(s) -
GayAndrieu Françoise,
Marty Pierre,
Pialat Jean,
Sournies Gilles,
de Laforte Thierry Drier,
Peyron François
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
prenatal diagnosis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.956
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1097-0223
pISSN - 0197-3851
DOI - 10.1002/pd.632
Subject(s) - amniocentesis , toxoplasmosis , medicine , fetus , obstetrics , pregnancy , amniotic fluid , ultrasound , gestation , prenatal diagnosis , hydrocephalus , surgery , pathology , radiology , biology , genetics
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis relies on the PCR test on amniotic fluid and ultrasound follow‐up of the fetus. We report two cases of toxoplasma infection during the first trimester of gestation with a discrepant diagnosis of fetal infection. PCR performed more than four weeks after the estimated date of contamination was negative. Ultrasound follow‐up was normal up to the third trimester when major hydrocephalus was detected, leading to pregnancy termination. In both cases, post‐mortem examination revealed a diffuse infection with severe brain lesions. These observations confirm the necessity to continue a monthly ultrasound follow‐up, even if amniocentesis is negative, in case of fetal toxoplasma infection in pregnancy. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.