General Information
Cmv infections usually occur in immunocompimised patients (AIDS, transplant) and may affect a wide variety of organs including the lungs, kidneys, brain, salivary glands, liver and pancreas. Also, may appear in newborns. It is a primary pathogen, but is considered an opportunist with reactivation of latent disease. Cytologic diagnosis is based on the identification of infected cells which may be present only in small numbers.

 

 

Cytology
Cytomegaly - Enlarged infected cell
Large intranuclear inclusion - either basophilic or eosinophilic - surrounded by a clear space or halo-“buckshot” appearance on DQ
Residual nuclear chromatin is condensed at nucleus periphery (margination of chromatin)
Multinuclation rare

Other findings
Can be confirmed by culture, immunoperoxidase staining or direct in situ hybidization

Helpful Hint
“Owls Eye” appearance