Which findings are associated with congenital CMV infection in neonates?

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a significant concern in neonatology, as it is one of the most prevalent viral infections linked to congenital disorders. The hallmark findings associated with congenital CMV infection in neonates include calcifications and microcephaly.

Calcifications arise due to the infection's impact on fetal brain development, leading to disturbed neurogenesis and abnormal brain structuring. These calcifications are often periventricular in location and can result in developmental delays or neurological deficits. In addition, microcephaly, which is characterized by a smaller head circumference compared to expected for gestational age, is a common finding in infants affected by congenital CMV. This occurs due to the impaired growth and development of the brain as the virus disrupts prenatal brain development.

The other options, while they relate to various medical conditions, do not specifically correlate as hallmark findings of congenital CMV infection. For example, increased calcium levels, hemolytic anemia, and transposition of the great vessels do not reflect the characteristic manifestations of CMV but rather could relate to other congenital or pathological states. Thus, the association of calcifications and microcephaly encompasses the typical clinical picture seen in neonates with congenital CMV