Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2025

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
Published on: July 6, 2013
Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency mimicking congenital cytomegalovirus infection on imaging
Jasmin Rahesh1, Rohan Anand1, Victor Mendiola1
1School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas.
Insights
Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (PDCD) is a rare genetic disorder. Early diagnosis via genetic testing is crucial for dietary treatment and preventing brain damage.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Neurology
Background:
- Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (PDCD) is a rare, often underdiagnosed metabolic disorder.
- PDCD can manifest with severe clinical symptoms, detectable even before birth.
Observation:
- A newborn presented with in utero brain abnormalities on ultrasound.
- These abnormalities initially mimicked cytomegalovirus infection.
Findings:
- Genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency.
- This highlights the importance of genetic analysis in diagnosing rare metabolic disorders.
Implications:
- Early detection and diagnosis of PDCD are critical for patient survival.
- Timely dietary intervention can prevent irreversible neurological and structural brain damage.
Abstract:
Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency is a rare and underdiagnosed disease. It can present with clinical manifestations as early as in utero. Both genetic and metabolic testing are available to determine the presence of the disease. Key to survival is early detection and diagnosis, with dietary treatment to prevent further neurological and structural damage to the brain. We present a newborn who presented with ultrasound brain abnormalities in utero that mimicked cytomegalovirus but was diagnosed with pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency after genetic testing.
More Related Videos
06:53Visualization of Mitochondrial Respiratory Function using Cytochrome C Oxidase / Succinate Dehydrogenase COX/SDH Double-labeling Histochemistry
Published on: November 23, 2011
08:08qPCR Is a Sensitive and Rapid Method for Detection of Cytomegaloviral DNA in Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Biopsy Tissue
Published on: July 9, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
Inborn Errors of Metabolism