title: Cytomegalovirus hepatitis during pregnancy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an uncommon cause of viral hepatitis during pregnancy, a definitive diagnosis is important because of the potential for congenital CMV. In the case reported here, a diagnosis of hepatitis caused by CMV was made after the more common viral pathogens had been ruled out.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 17-year-old, 12-week pregnant patient was evaluated for fever and right upper quadrant tenderness. A serologic evaluation revealed elevated liver function levels and a positive maternal serology for CMV IgM. A diagnosis of hepatitis caused by CMV was made after the more common viral pathogens and drug-induced hepatitis had been ruled out. She was counseled about the potential effects of CMV on her fetus.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A step-wise approach to the diagnosis of viral hepatitis during pregnancy is needed to determine the etiology because a potential teratogenic virus may be involved.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey New Jersey Medical School 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kean-Chong
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Apuzzio