Exposure to Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) during the first or second trimester can result in a fetal infection that also impacts the placenta. This results in a number of pathologic findings.
Examination: placenta
Gross pathologic changes may include:
(1) hydrops
(2) calcifications
Histopathologic findings:
(1) chronic villitis with non-caseating granulomas
(2) villous necrosis
(3) multi-nucleated giant cells
(4) microcalcifications
(5) variable numbers of intra-nuclear inclusions
The absence of pathologic change does not exclude fetal infection.
PCR would be a good method to confirm the diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry may be helpful if anti-VZV antibody is available.
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