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Isolated abducens nerve palsy complicating cytomegalovirus infection

Filippo Greco1, Rosaria Garozzo, Giovanni Sorge

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. coicoico@hotmail.com

Pediatric Neurology
|August 31, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Cytomegalovirus infection can cause isolated abducens nerve palsy in children. Prompt ganciclovir treatment led to rapid recovery in an immunocompetent 5-year-old girl.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Isolated abducens nerve palsy is a rare neurological condition.
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can cause various health issues.

Observation:

  • A 5-year-old immunocompetent female presented with isolated abducens nerve palsy.
  • The palsy was associated with a cytomegalovirus infection.

Findings:

  • Cytomegalovirus was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid using polymerase chain reaction.
  • Treatment with ganciclovir resulted in rapid clinical improvement of the palsy.

Implications:

  • This case suggests CMV infection as a potential cause of isolated abducens nerve palsy in children.
  • Highlights the importance of considering viral etiologies in pediatric cranial nerve palsies.
  • Demonstrates the efficacy of ganciclovir in treating CMV-induced neurological complications.

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