Association of parvovirus infection with isolated fetal effusions

The association of parvovirus B19 infection and hydrops fetalis is well known. However, the association of parvovirus and fetal pleural or pericardial effusions has not been reported. We present five cases of isolated pleural or pericardial effusion with documented maternal parvovirus infection in four of these pregnancies. In the absence of structural or karyotypic abnormalities, spontaneous resolution of the effusion portends for a successful pregnancy outcome.