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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
Published on: February 2, 2015
[Brain abscesses in neonates: neurosonographic diagnosis and long-term follow-up]
Abstract:
Brain abscesses were neurosongraphically diagnosed in 3 out of 44 neonates who had confirmed purulent meningitis. In two cases, the cause was Proteus mirabillis, whereas in one the cause could not be isolated. The ultrasound finding indicated abscess cavities localised in the frontal (in one case bilaterally) and temporal regions of the CNS. Neurosurgical interventions were carried out on all of the neonates who had abscesses (including the evacuation of purulent cavity contents, and later on a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in two cases, because of the development of hydrocephalus). Follow-up on the operated infants revealed that one infant died at the age of 9 months; one, who had a bilateral abscess, demonstrated significant neurodevelopmental retardation in the third month of his life (so far it has not been brought under control); while the third one, whom we monitored until the age of 2, displayed regular psychomotor development (preserved intellect, motor skills, sight, and hearing).
Insights
Neonatal purulent meningitis can lead to brain abscesses, diagnosed via neurosonography. While some infants experienced severe neurodevelopmental issues or death, one showed normal development after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neonatal meningitis is a serious infection in newborns.
- Brain abscesses are a potential complication of bacterial meningitis.
Observation:
- Neurosonography identified brain abscesses in 3 of 44 neonates with purulent meningitis.
- Abscesses were located in the frontal and temporal regions of the central nervous system (CNS).
- Proteus mirabillis was identified in two cases; one case was culture-negative.
Findings:
- All neonates with abscesses required neurosurgical intervention, including abscess drainage.
- Two neonates developed hydrocephalus requiring a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.
- Outcomes varied: one infant died, one had significant neurodevelopmental retardation, and one showed normal psychomotor development.
Implications:
- Early neurosonographic diagnosis of brain abscesses in neonates is crucial.
- Prompt neurosurgical management can improve outcomes, but significant neurodevelopmental deficits remain a risk.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term neurological sequelae and optimize treatment strategies.
