Highlights What are the main findings? In cases of recent Cytomegalovirus infection,
the most common ultrasound abnormality affects the gastrointestinal and nervous system.
Based on the neonatological follow-up examinations, 15.52% newborns had complications.
What are the implications of the main findings? Accurate knowledge of the rate of
ultrasound abnormalities is important for prenatal diagnosis. Amniotic fluid CMV PCR
yields valuable information about CMV transmission, supporting decisions in newborn
care.Highlights What are the main findings? In cases of recent Cytomegalovirus infection,
the most common ultrasound abnormality affects the gastrointestinal and nervous system.
Based on the neonatological follow-up examinations, 15.52% newborns had complications.
What are the implications of the main findings? Accurate knowledge of the rate of
ultrasound abnormalities is important for prenatal diagnosis. Amniotic fluid CMV PCR
yields valuable information about CMV transmission, supporting decisions in newborn
care.Abstract Introduction: Primary Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection occurs in 0.7-4.1%
of all pregnancies. Our study aims to analyze the incidence rate of ultrasound anomalies,
as well as CMV PCR analysis of the amniotic fluid sample obtained from amniocentesis
in CMV-infected pregnancies, as well as the outcome of the pregnancies and neonatal
follow-up. Methods: We analyzed cases of recent maternal CMV infections confirmed
by serological testing at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis
University, between 2001 and 2023. In cases of primary CMV infection confirmed by
serological testing during pregnancy, we offered amniocentesis at the genetic counseling,
which was performed at the 20-21 weeks stage of the pregnancy. Results: In 130 cases
of recent maternal CMV infection confirmed by serological testing, amniocentesis was
performed, and a total of 11 cases (8.46%) were found to have CMV DNA in the amniotic
fluid. Based on the neonatological follow-up examinations in 116 deliveries, 18 newborns
had complications (15.52%); however, some cases were associated with multiple complications,
resulting in a total of 33 types of complications being identified (28.45%). Among
the 11 neurological complications (9.48%), we found 1 case each (0.86%) of severe
inoperable intracranial space occupation, hydrocephalus, balance disorder, sleep disorder-sleep
apnea, and speech development disorder. Two cases (1.72%) were found to have rigid
muscles, epilepsy, and hypotonic muscles. Ophthalmological complications occurred
in five cases (4.31%), such as enophthalmos, cataract, and retinopathy of prematurity
(ROP), one case each, and two cases of strabism. Other complications were detected
in 17 cases (14.66%). Conclusions: Because of the high incidence rate of recent CMV
infection, serological testing is recommended following fetal abnormality detected
by ultrasound. If a serologically confirmed new infection is diagnosed, the affected
couple should be offered amniocentesis.
