When immune thrombocytopenia purpura unveils congenital CMV infection: A case report

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune disorder characterized by immune-mediated platelet destruction and impaired thrombopoiesis. In infants, the occurrence of ITP requires a systematic search for secondary causes, particularly infectious etiologies. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), the most frequent cause of congenital viral infection worldwide, is known to induce profound immune dysregulation and hematopoietic abnormalities. We report the case of a three-month-old infant presenting with severe and relapsing ITP revealing a congenital CMV infection. Platelet recovery was achieved only after initiation of antiviral therapy. This case highlights the importance of an integrated immunological and biochemical diagnostic approach in infantile ITP and underscores the pathogenic role of CMV in immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.