Congenital Cytomegalic Inclusion Disease

Abstract

REFINEMENTS of virological and serological diagnostic techniques have led to a more complete understanding of the congenital syndrome caused by the cytomegalovirus. The various clinical manifestations of congenital cytomegalic inclusion disease (CID) during the early weeks of life include hepatosplenomegaly, jaundice, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia purpura, pneumonitis, chorioretinitis, and central nervous system (CNS) disease.^1,2A number of studies have emphasized the mental and motor retardation resulting from chronic intrauterine encephalitis,^1,2but knowledge of the natural history of congenital CID is incomplete. This communication reports on a longitudinal study of 20 infants with CID acquired during intrauterine life or in the immediate postnatal period. <h3>Materials and Methods</h3> <b>Clinical Sample.</b>—Twenty infants were selected for study during the first weeks of life by presenting signs and symptoms suggesting the diagnosis of congenital CID. Isolation of cytomegalovirus from a urine specimen or from other sites was a prerequisite for inclusion in the