Current Pediatric Research

Cytomegalovirus is the most prevalent agent in congenital infections, causing severe long-term sequelae (sensorineural hearing loss, vision loss). Approximately 11% of newborns born with congenital cytomegalovirus infection are symptomatic at birth. The other newborns do not have clinical findings at birth. Congenital cytomegalovirus infection may cause severe long-term sequelae, in 40%-58% of symptomatic newborns and 5%-15% of the asymptomatic newborns. The aim of our study was to examine the association between cranial ultrasound calcifications and long-term sequelae of a congenital cytomegalovirus infection. We retrospectively evaluated cranial ultrasound findings, hearing test results and ophthalmological findings in two newborns with congenital cytomegalovirus infection. Newborn with thick intracranial calcifications developed hearing loss, while newborn with punctate intracranial calcifications passed the otoacoustic screening. Ophthalmologic findings in both newborns were normal. Cranial ultrasound should be play a significant role in the diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus infection and in prediction of outcome, especially sensorineural hearing loss.

Author(s): Lidija Banjac*, Gorica Banjac

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