Clinical Characteristics, Neuroimaging Findings and Long-Term Sequelae in Children with Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Single Centre Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is the most common congenital infection worldwide and an important cause of neurodevelopmental delay and sensorineural hearing loss. Neuroimaging represents the best prognostic marker in cCMV infection. The aim of this study was to establish the role of cranial ultrasound and brain magnetic resonance imaging in the development of long-term sequelae in symptomatic and asymptomatic children with cCMV infection. Of the 47 children enrolled in the study, 25 (53.1%) were classified as symptomatic at birth. In 27/47 patients, SNHL was diagnosed with a similar proportion among the symptomatic and asymptomatic at birth (51.8% and 48.1%, respectively; p = 1.0). Thirty case patients had available data on follow-up. Neurological sequelae were more frequently seen in patients with symptomatic cCMV, but only cerebral abnormalities seen on initial MRI results had a consequential link with the later development of motor (OR 17.5; 95% Cl: 2667, 114,846; p = 0.002) and speech disorders (OR 15; 95% Cl: 2477, 90,843; p = 0.02). Although not statistically significant, hearing deterioration was more frequent in children with abnormal MRI results (OR 5; 95% Cl: 0.846, 29,567; p = 0.121). Neuroimaging abnormalities, as identified through both cranial ultrasound (CrUS) and MRI, are critical prognostic indicators for long-term sequelae, applicable to both symptomatic and asymptomatic children.
Source: Pathogens
Authors: Ivana Valenčak, Lorna Stemberger Marić, Maja Vrdoljak Pažur, Snježana Židovec Lepej, Nenad Šuvak, Goran Tešović
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,654
OpenAlex ID: W4408453416