Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection Presenting with Hyperbilirubinemia and Splenomegaly in a Term Infant with Trisomy 21

Abstract

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) is very common, yet the presentation can be varied, making the diagnosis challenging. However, early diagnosis for treatment with medication in symptomatic cases within the first month of life is critical. Hyperbilirubinemia and splenomegaly are less common manifestations at birth and may be overlooked in the setting of other symptoms, especially in a critically ill neonate. We present a case of a term infant with trisomy 21 who presented with isolated hyperbilirubinemia and splenomegaly and was later diagnosed with congenital CMV.

A Case Report on Congenital Cytomegalovirus

“…CMV is included in the list of infections that can be passed via the placenta to the baby during pregnancy, commonly referred to as "TORCH" (toxoplasmosis, others such as syphilis, rubella, CMV, and herpes). Though cCMV is the most common congenital infection worldwide, many women are not educated about it [1][2][3][4]. The exact reasoning behind this is not known.…”