Congenital varicella

Background

• Congenital varicella occurs when a pregnant mother develops primary varicella
• Highest risk for transmission to fetus is 8 to 20 weeks gestation, though the risk is still below 2%

Clinical Manifestations

• Syndrome is characterized by skin lesions, ocular defects, and limb abnormalities
• Skin lesions are scarring (Cicatricial skin lesions)
  • May be depressed and pigmented
  • May follow a dermatomal pattern
• Ocular defects include cataracts, chorioretinitis, Horner syndrome, microphthalmos, and nystagmus
• Limb abnormalities include limb hypoplasia
• Can also affect the CNS, causing cortical atrophy, seizure, intellectual disability