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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
Routine TORCH screening is not warranted in neonates with subependymal cysts
S van der Weiden1, S J Steggerda, A B Te Pas
1Department of Paediatrics, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.
Background:
Congenital infections are associated with a wide variety of clinical symptoms, including subependymal cysts (SEC).
Objective:
To determine the co-occurrence of SEC and congenital infections, as diagnosed by TORCH serologic tests and/or cytomegalovirus (CMV) urine culture.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective study of all neonates admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit from 1998 to 2009 in whom SEC were detected on cranial ultrasound and TORCH serologic tests and/or CMV urine cultures were performed.
Results:
Fifty-nine neonates fulfilled the inclusion criteria. TORCH serologic tests were performed in 69% (41/59) of cases. Urine CMV culture was performed in 68% (40/59) of cases. None of the neonates tested positive for IgM Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella and Herpes simplex virus. Positive CMV IgM titers and/or a positive urine CMV culture were detected in 2% (1/59) of neonates.
Conclusion:
The co-occurrence of TORCH congenital infections in infants with SEC is rare. Routine TORCH screening in neonates with SEC does not seem warranted.
