Developmental Disabilities and Intracranial Abnormalities in Children with Symptomatic Cytomegalovirus and Cochlear Implants

Objective. To examine the association of intracranial radiographic abnormalities and developmental measures with outcomes in children with congenital symptomatic cytomegalovirus (CMV) and cochlear implants (CI). Design/Methods. It was a retrospective review of 15 children implanted from 2004 to 2010. Preimplant nonverbal intelligence quotient/developmental quotient (IQ/DQ) and head circumference (HC) were obtained. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and post-CI audiometry and language assessments were reviewed. Results. Eleven children (73%) had cognitive delay. Most had >1 developmental disability. Median IQ/DQ was 65 (23–90). All had imaging abnormalities. Most imaging abnormalities were in parietal (60%) and temporal (60%) lobes. Children with HC < 5th percentile had poorer median post-CI PTA (38 dB versus 27 dB, P = 0.02). Periventricular calcifications were associated with lower receptive (r (b) = −0.75, P = 0.03) and expressive (r (b) = −0.84, P = 0.008) language. Because IQ/DQ was associated with periventricular calcifications (r (b) = −0.53, P = 0.04) and small HC (r (b) = −0.73, P = 0.002), their relationships with language appear partially driven by IQ/DQ. Conclusions. The location of brain abnormalities appears to correlate with worse outcomes after CI. These findings may allow for more accurate counseling of parents regarding anticipated postimplantation performance.