Causes & Risk Factors
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Cytomegalovirus is a common virus that, when passed during pregnancy, can affect the brain and cause hydrocephalus.
In short: Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- It is a common virus that can be passed during pregnancy.
- Congenital CMV can affect the developing brain.
- It can cause hydrocephalus and other findings.
- It is one of the congenital (TORCH) infections.
What it is
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that often causes no symptoms in healthy people but can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy (congenital CMV). It is one of the most common congenital infections.
Understanding Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
When CMV is transmitted during pregnancy, it can affect the developing brain, potentially causing hydrocephalus along with other findings such as brain calcifications, a small head (microcephaly), or hearing loss. The effects vary, and many babies with congenital CMV have no symptoms, while others are significantly affected. CMV is one of the congenital (TORCH) infections evaluated when a baby has hydrocephalus or related brain findings. Testing can help identify congenital CMV, and recognizing it can inform monitoring and care.
Why it matters
Understanding congenital CMV helps families see how this common virus, when passed during pregnancy, can affect the brain and cause hydrocephalus, and why it may be tested for when evaluating a baby with hydrocephalus.
Common questions
What is cytomegalovirus?
A common virus that can be passed from mother to baby in pregnancy.
Can congenital CMV cause hydrocephalus?
Yes — it can affect the developing brain.
Is it always symptomatic?
No — many affected babies have no symptoms.
Bottom line
Congenital cytomegalovirus is a common infection passed in pregnancy that can affect the brain and cause hydrocephalus.
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