Fetal schistocytic hemolytic anemia and umbilical vein varix

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2000 May-Jun;22(3):259-61. doi: 10.1097/00043426-200005000-00013.

Abstract

A rare case of schistocytic hemolytic anemia presenting in a fetus secondary to a varix of the intra-abdominal umbilical vein is reported. A patient was referred to our hospital at 32 weeks of gestation because of an abnormal hypoechoic finding in the fetal liver. Prenatal ultrasound showed turbulent flow through a 12-mm diameter dilatation of the fetal intra-abdominal umbilical vein consistent with a varix. Cardiomegaly also was noted. At birth, the 1098-g, growth-retarded, male neonate was in severe congestive heart failure secondary to anemia as the initial hemoglobin was 5 g/dL. Additional evaluation found the anemia to be secondary to schistocytic hemolysis. After the neonate received a transfusion of packed erythrocytes and supportive care, the anemia quickly resolved, and he was discharged to home doing well after a 6-week stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. Prompt recognition of the varix prenatally and thorough evaluation of the newborn postnatally led to appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital / complications
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital / embryology*
  • Erythrocytes, Abnormal / pathology*
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Fetal Diseases / pathology*
  • Fetal Growth Retardation
  • Heart Failure / congenital
  • Heart Failure / etiology
  • Humans
  • Liver / blood supply
  • Liver / embryology
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal
  • Umbilical Veins / pathology*
  • Varicose Veins / embryology*