Unusual encephaloclastic lesions with paraventricular calcification in congenital rubella

Abstract

We report an unusual case of congenital rubella. The infant was suffering from a serious encephalopathy, and both prenatal echography and neonatal CT scan showed passive ventriculomegaly with a calcified periventricular border. Usually, such lesions are strongly suggestive of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and have never previously been reported in congenital rubella. Classic cerebral lesions in rubella are related to a prominent obstructive vasculopathy. Conversely, encephaloclastic lesions in CMV infection are likely related to a necrosis of brain parenchyma following upon an initial ventriculitis, and perhaps also to a disturbance of neuronal proliferation. Recently, Carey described a neonate with proven congenital rubella and cranial ultrasound findings typical of ventriculitis. However, in spite of the close similarity between our patient's lesions and the typical CMV lesions, we think it's impossible to assert similar pathogenic mechanisms. Actually, it's quite conceivable that only a severe or extensive vasculopathy can lead to brain atrophy with periventricular calcification in congenital rubella.