Erythroblastosis Fetalis (Immune Hydrops Fetalis) (Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn)

Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed

Etiology/Pathophysiology:
Caused by blood group incompatibilities between fetal and maternal erythrocytes. The mother has been previously exposed to heterotypic fetal erythrocytes and developed antibodies to them. When exposed again to these heterotypic fetal erythrocytes the mother mounts an immune response to them and her antibodies transplacentally enter the fetal circulatory system and destroy the fetal erythrocytes, causing a fetal anemia. The child is hypovolemic and in high output congestive heart failure leading to cardiomegaly, hepatosplenomegaly, anasarca, and ascites. Pulmonary edema is rare because of normal fetal postnatal pulmonary hypertension.

Pathology:
Not applicable

Imaging Findings:
Hepatosplenomegaly, anasarca, ascites, cardiomegaly without pulmonary edema, bell shaped thoracic cage.

DDX:
Not applicable

References:
See References Chapter.

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