[Aplasia of retinal vessels in congenital cytomegaly]

Case report on a premature male infant, born in the 34th week of pregnancy with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, bronchitis, hepatitis, marked cortical and subcortical atrophy of the brain with enlargement of the inner and outer subarachnoid space, with severe cerebral motility disorders and convulsions. Blood serology showed rapidly increasing cytomegaly titers, which were also elevated in the serum of the mother. The ophthalmological examination revealed a hypoplastic, white papilla in both eyes. Neither retinal arteries nor veins were seen. The macula and retinal periphery were normal. There were no signs of acute or passed retinochorioiditis. Temporary opacification of the cornea was observed. In connection with the pediatric findings the authors interpret the aplasia of the retinal vessels and the hypoplasia of the optic nerve as a result of a cytomegaly infection prior to the 4th month of pregnancy, which prevented normal development of the vessels. The temporary opacity of the cornea could be a reaction of the corneal endothelium against the virus.