Congenital CMV infection can cause sensorineural hearing loss even in asymptomatic neonates at birth. Which of the following statements about congenital CMV is CORRECT?

• A Symptomatic neonates have a better long-term neurodevelopmental prognosis than asymptomatic ones
• B Periventricular calcifications are characteristic of congenital CMV ✓
• C Intracranial calcifications in CMV are predominantly in the basal ganglia
• D Valganciclovir treatment is only indicated for symptomatic cases with CNS involvement

Explanation

Congenital CMV characteristically produces periventricular (subependymal) calcifications, distinguishing it from toxoplasmosis where calcifications are diffuse/parenchymal. Symptomatic CMV carries a worse neurodevelopmental prognosis with ~90% developing sequelae versus ~15% of asymptomatic infants. Valganciclovir is now recommended for all symptomatic congenital CMV (both CNS and non-CNS involvement) for 6 months to reduce hearing loss progression.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.