THE SPECTRUM of disease caused by congenital cytomegalovirus infection is gradually being expanded beyond the classic combination of hepatosplenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and microcephaly.1 Milder forms of congenital infection have been described,2-4 and it is possible that some infants born infected will be totally asymptomatic. Recent surveys indicate that 1% to 2% of ostensibly normal infants carry cytomegalovirus at birth.5 Since follow-up studies of these infected but asymptomatic infants have not yet been reported, the pathogenicity of the virus in these cases is uncertain.
The case report that follows concerns a newborn infant with undoubted cytomegalovirus infection, who also had a cystic horseshoe kidney. Speculation concerning the relationship of the two findings is presented.
Report of a Case
The patient is a male first-born child. No unusual incidents or minor illnesses occurred during the pregnancy of his mother who was 32 years of age. Labor and delivery were normal.