Fetal and Placental Pathology in two Cases of Maternal Varicella Infection

Abstract

We describe the fetal and placental pathology in two cases of maternal varicella infection. Varicella in pregnancy is uncommon, and although sporadic cases of fetal involvement are described very little regard has been paid to placental features. Only one previous report describes the changes in both the fetus and its associated placenta. In both our cases the placenta showed chronic villitis with granuloma formation, and occasional cells with nuclear viral-like inclusions were detected. Cells with similar inclusions were found in the lung interstitium, and foci of dystrophic calcification were present in the liver.

Key Words:

• chronic villitis
• fetus
• maternal varicella
• placenta
• varicella zoster