What are ultrasound findings typical of congenital rubella?

Congenital rubella syndrome is associated with various ultrasound findings that reflect the impact of the rubella virus on fetal development. Among these, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and cardiac malformations are significant indicators of congenital rubella.

IUGR is commonly observed in fetuses affected by congenital rubella because the virus can interfere with normal fetal growth patterns, leading to a smaller-than-expected size for gestational age. This growth restriction can result from placental insufficiency or direct effects of the virus on fetal tissues.

Additionally, cardiac malformations are a notable consequence of maternal rubella infection during pregnancy. The virus is known to cause various heart defects, including patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), pulmonary artery stenosis, and ventricular septal defects, among others.

These findings collectively point to the importance of monitoring for IUGR and congenital cardiac defects in pregnancies complicated by rubella, making the connection between these ultrasound findings and congenital rubella syndrome clear.

While other options include findings associated with different conditions or less characteristic features of congenital rubella, the combination of IUGR and cardiac malformations specifically highlights the hallmark complications associated with this viral infection during pregnancy.