[Lesion of the thymus gland in infants caused by cytomegalovirus]

Abstract

In the autopsy materials of 1972-1976, cytomegaly was diagnosed in 47 infants dying in the first year of life; two of them were found to have cytomegalovirusinvolvement of the thymus. The clinical course of the disease depended on the intensity of pathological lesions in organs and tissues associated with secondary infection. In the thymus, alongside with marked accidental involution, cytomegaloviral metamorphosis of the reticular epithelium and epithelium of Hassal bodies was found. Foci of calcinosis were observed in the parenchyma of the thymus. During the disease hypogammaglobulinemia was observed. A possible role of cytomegalovirus infection in the development of acquired immunodeficiency conditions in infants under one is suggested.