Which of the following are fetal manifestations of CMV infection?

Microcephaly is a significant fetal manifestation of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. This condition is characterized by a smaller-than-average head size, which can indicate developmental issues in the brain. CMV is known to cause a range of neurological defects, and microcephaly is one of the most prominent physical findings in infants diagnosed with congenital CMV.

The implication of microcephaly relates closely to how CMV affects fetal brain development during pregnancy. The virus can disrupt normal cellular processes leading to impaired neural growth and function, which ultimately results in microcephaly. This is consistent with findings from studies investigating the effects of congenital infections on fetal development.

Other conditions listed, while associated with various types of infections, are not specific manifestations of CMV when considering fetal health. For example, hydrocephaly can occur due to many different causes including other infections or malformations, and while CMV can impact liver function leading to hepatitis, this is not a primary fetal manifestation. Small for gestational age can have multiple etiologies, including placental insufficiency or genetic factors, and is not a definitive indicator of CMV infection alone.

Therefore, microcephaly stands out as a direct and recognized consequence of