A unique brain germinal matrix involvement in cytomegalovirus infected fetuses: A retrospective neurosonographic analysis with outcome correlation.

Objective: To study the clinical significance of brain germinal matrix (GM) changes in cytomegalovirus (CMV) infected fetuses.
Method: This is a retrospective analysis. Group A; isolated GM finding, with or without lenticulostriatal vasculopathy (LSV). Group B; non-isolated lesion. Amniocentesis, urinalysis, postnatal US and developmental assessment, were obtained.
Results: Group A and B included 18 and four fetuses, respectively. In group A, mean fetal age at diagnosis was 34.3 weeks (31-38 weeks). In 15/18 (83.3%), the lesion was bilateral and LSV was present in 8/18 (44.4%). Small cysts appeared inside the lesion in 5/18 (27.7%). MRI was normal in 8/18 (44.4%). Subtle or inconclusive findings were reported in the remaining fetuses. Brain ultrasound was normal in 10/18 (55.5%) of newborns. In the remaining, caudothalamic cyst with or without LSV, or isolated LSV were found. All newborns are developing normally at a mean follow-up age of 33.3 months (+/- 19.6 moths). In group B, all four patients requested for termination of pregnancy.
Conclusion: Fetal CMV infection may cause focal GM changes, frequently accompanied by LSV, late in pregnancy. These changes may be isolated, or as part of a more generalized brain damage. When isolated, favorable prognosis is expected.
(© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)