Severe CMV pneumonitis and the resulting ARDS in a 28-year-old pregnant woman: a case report

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus. In pregnant women, CMV infection is usually mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic but can lead to fetal infection. Here we present a rare case of severe CMV pneumonitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome in a healthy immunocompetent pregnant woman. CASE PRESENTATION: A previous healthy 28-year-old woman with spontaneous conception, was admitted to the General University Hospital of Patras at 29 weeks of gestation with a day history of fever, fatigue, pharyngitis, and cough. She was diagnosed with acute CMV infection and CMV pneumonitis. During her hospitalization she developed acute distress syndrome (ARDS). The patient was intubated and underwent emergency caesarean delivery. She was admitted to the intensive care unit and received intravenous ganciclovir. She was discharged at 20th day postpartum in a good clinical condition. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the infrequent yet potential complexity of CMV infection in immunocompetent patients and in pregnancy.