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Updated: May 29, 2026
State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
Published on: February 2, 2015
Neuroimaging examination of newborns in vertically acquired infections
Marcello Lanari1, Maria Grazia Capretti, Tiziana Lazzarotto
1Pediatric Department S. Maria della Scaletta General Hospital, Imola, Bologna, Italy. m.lanari@ausl.imola.bo.it
Insights
Congenital/perinatal nervous system infections in newborns can cause mortality and long-term issues. Neuroimaging is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and parental counseling in affected infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Congenital/perinatal nervous system (CNS) infections are a significant cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity.
- These infections can disrupt brain development, with outcomes often linked to the gestational age at maternal infection.
- Pathogenic mechanisms vary, leading to distinct pathological findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of neuroimaging in diagnosing congenital/perinatal CNS infections in newborns.
- To emphasize the role of imaging in guiding treatment, follow-up care, and parental counseling.
- To review the utility of various neuroimaging modalities in evaluating these infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of neuroimaging techniques including computed tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and cerebral ultrasonography.
- Discussion of the application of these tools in infants with suspected or confirmed CNS infections.
- Analysis of the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of each imaging modality.
Main Results:
- Neuroimaging is fundamental for healthcare providers managing newborns with suspected or confirmed CNS infections.
- Each imaging technique offers complementary information, aiding in comprehensive evaluation.
- Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of CT, MRI, and ultrasonography is vital for optimal patient care.
Conclusions:
- Neuroimaging plays a critical role in the management of congenital/perinatal CNS infections in neonates.
- A combination of imaging techniques may be necessary for thorough assessment.
- Effective use of neuroimaging supports timely treatment, prognosis, and parental support.
Abstract:
Congenital/perinatal nervous system (CNS) infections are an important cause of mortality and morbidity in neonatal period, and long-term sequelae. Many pathogens can lead to infections frequently involving the CNS, with possible disruption of brain development, which often is related to gestational age of maternal infection. The mechanism of infection and damage is different among the infectious agents, leading to more specific pathologic findings. It is necessary in newborns with confirmed or suspected CNS infection to undergo investigation by neuroimaging techniques to help healthcare providers, give adequate treatment and follow-up care and counsel parents. Computed tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and cerebral ultrasonography are fundamental tools in evaluating infants with suspected or proved congenital/perinatal infections. Each imaging technique has its advantages, disadvantages and limits, since they are sometimes complementary.
