Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection of the Brain: MR Imaging and Ultrasonographic Findings of Paraventricular Cysts

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Although the neuroradiological findings of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection are well known, little has been reported concerning the imaging findings of paraventricular cysts occurring in patients with cytomegalovirus infection involving the brain. The purpose of this study is to describe the features of paraventricular cysts observed at MRI and ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR and ultrasonographic studies of ten patients with congenital cytomegalovirus infections involving the brain were retrospectively reviewed. Diagnosis was confirmed by positive culture of the virus in urine (n=4), the presence of CMV Ig G antibody (n=4), or positive CMV Ig M antibody (n=2), and on the basis of characteristic MR imaging findings. Initial MRI in all patients and initial ultrasonography in four of five with paraventricular cysts were performed. Three patients underwent follow-up MRI and ultrasonography for the evaluation of cystic change, and the size, location, bilaterality and morphology of the cysts were evaluated. RESULTS: Bilateral paraventricular cysts averaging 15 (range. 10-23) mm in size were found in five of the ten patients (50%). They were adjacent to the foramen of Monro in three cases, the occipital horn in one, and the temporal horn in one. MR imaging showed that the fluid content of all cysts was of similar signal intensity to cerebrospinal fluid (T1-WI, hypointense; T2-WI, hyperintense). The ultrasonographic findings varied there was one pure cyst and one with a thick wall and septations, and two contained complex fluid. In three patients, follow up MRI and ultrasonography showed that the cysts disappeared after 4-23 months. CONCLUSION: Although paraventricular cysts may appear at MRI to be purely cystic, ultrasonography may indicate that their contents are more complex, or that septations are present.