Question

A 3-month-old baby complains of deafness, cataract, and patent ductus arteriosus. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Congenital herpes simplex virus infection
• B. Congenital toxoplasmosis
• C. Congenital cytomegalovirus infection
• D. Congenital rubella syndrome

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

This question pertains to the identification of a congenital infection based on specific clinical symptoms. The symptoms presented are deafness, cataract, and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in a 3-month-old baby. These are hallmark features typically associated with one particular congenital infection:

• Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS): Congenital rubella is characterized by the classic triad of sensorineural deafness, ocular abnormalities such as cataracts, and cardiac defects like patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Infants affected by CRS may also present with other issues like growth retardation and neurological defects, but the combination of deafness, cataracts, and PDA strongly supports the diagnosis of rubella.

The other options can be ruled out as follows:

• Congenital Herpes Simplex Virus Infection: Typically presents with localized or disseminated disease, and skin, eye, nervous system, or visceral involvement rather than the combination of deafness, cataracts, and PDA.
• Congenital Toxoplasmosis: More often associated with chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, and intracranial calcifications rather than the symptoms of congenital rubella.
• Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: Can cause sensorineural hearing loss and microcephaly, but cataracts and PDA are not commonly associated features.

Therefore, given the symptoms of deafness, cataracts, and PDA, Congenital Rubella Syndrome is the most likely diagnosis.