Intrauterine Cytomegalovirus Infection Associated with Fetal Ascites and Oligohydramnios

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Abstract
Apparent fetal ascites and oligohydramnios were observed in a 21‐week pregnant woman. Careful ultrasonic examination did not reveal filling of the fetal bladder or kidneys. The pregnancy was terminated upon diagnosis of renal agenesis. Autopsy revealed the presence of kidneys, but typical intranuclear inclusion bodies were histologi‐cally observed in many fetal organs. It is speculated that an intrauterine cytomegalovirus infection caused multiple organ failures, including liver dysfunction and renal failure, resulting in fetal ascites and oligohydramnios, and that early occurrence of these anomalies indicates a severe infection and poor fetal prognosis.