Acquired Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in Preterm Infant Hospitalized in the NICU: A Noteworthy Case Report

• Published in: Advances in neonatal care Vol. 24; no. 4; p. 349
• Main Authors: Tajalli, Saleheh, Vafaee, Ali, Safi, Hamid, Moghaddam, Ava Navidi, Fallahi, Minoo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.08.2024
• Subjects: Antiviral Agents - therapeutic use; Cytomegalovirus Retinitis - diagnosis; Cytomegalovirus Retinitis - drug therapy; Female; Ganciclovir - therapeutic use; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
• ISSN: 1536-0911
• DOI: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000001174

Acquired human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a noteworthy disease in infants. This case study will highlight the influence of early diagnosis of CMV retinitis (CMVR) on avoid visual impairment. We describe a preterm female infant with a birth weight of 2060 gr that was admitted for tracheostomy placement due to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. There were no signs of CMV infection or sepsis in laboratory results upon admission such as serology (IgG, IgM antibodies), Toxoplasma gondii , Rubella virus, Herpes simplex virus, CMVR and urine polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Incidentally, upon screening for retinopathy of prematurity, diffuse occlusive vasculitis was detected in the retinal image on the 112th day of life. Intravenous and intraocular ganciclovir were administered for 4 weeks. In the follow-up visit 6 weeks after discharge from the hospital, visual impairment was detected on both sides. This is a report of a case of acquired CMVR, a silent finding, as an uncommon complication in preterm neonates during the hospital stay. This diagnosis should be taken into consideration in preterm infants, since early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid visual impairment.