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Congenital cytomegalovirus infection and finger anomaly

Sedat Isikay1, Kutluhan Yilmaz

  • 1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Gaziantep Children's Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey. dr.sedatisikay@mynet.com

BMJ Case Reports
|June 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, a common cause of intrauterine infections, can lead to rare finger anomalies. This case highlights a unique presentation of agenesis and syndactyly linked to congenital CMV.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Science
  • Virology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading cause of intrauterine infections.
  • CMV can affect the central nervous system, leading to developmental issues like microcephaly, hydrocephalus, and intellectual disability.
  • While known to cause various birth defects, CMV's association with peripheral anomalies, such as finger malformations, is less documented.

Observation:

  • A 4-month-old female infant presented with distinct digital anomalies.
  • The infant exhibited agenesis of the middle finger and syndactyly affecting the fourth and fifth fingers.
  • These findings were attributed to congenital CMV infection.

Findings:

  • This case represents the first documented instance of middle finger agenesis and syndactyly of the fourth and fifth fingers occurring as a result of congenital CMV infection.
  • The study underscores the potential for congenital CMV to manifest in a wider spectrum of physical abnormalities than previously recognized.
  • Detailed examination of the congenital CMV infection and its correlation with the observed finger anomalies is presented.

Implications:

  • The findings expand the known phenotypic spectrum of congenital CMV infection.
  • This case emphasizes the importance of considering CMV in the differential diagnosis of infants presenting with congenital anomalies, including rare digital malformations.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms linking CMV infection to specific peripheral anomalies and to improve diagnostic and management strategies.

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