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Published on: July 6, 2013

Cytomegalovirus associated neonatal pneumonia and Wilson-Mikity syndrome: a causal relationship?

F Reiterer1, H J Dornbusch, B Urlesberger

  • 1Dept of Pediatrics, University of Graz, Austria.

The European Respiratory Journal
|March 5, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Intrauterine cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may cause Wilson-Mikity syndrome (WMS), a chronic lung disease in premature infants. This case study suggests CMV as a potential cause, with symptoms resolving after antiviral treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Wilson-Mikity syndrome (WMS) is a chronic lung disease in premature infants.
  • Intrauterine inflammation is a suspected cause of WMS pathogenesis.
  • Congenital infections are being investigated as potential contributors to WMS.

Observation:

  • A premature male infant (33 weeks gestation) presented with chronic lung disease consistent with WMS.
  • Diagnostic evaluation revealed cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.
  • High-resolution CT scans and lung histology showed WMS features and interstitial pneumonia.

Findings:

  • CMV was detected in the infant's urine, breastmilk, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and lung tissue.
  • Treatment with ganciclovir and steroids led to resolving lung disease and mild obstructive lung function.
  • The findings suggest a causal link between intrauterine CMV infection and WMS.

Implications:

  • Intrauterine CMV infection is a potential cause of Wilson-Mikity syndrome.
  • Congenital CMV infection should be investigated in infants diagnosed with WMS.
  • Further research is needed to confirm the role of congenital infections in WMS development.

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