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Pediatric intracranial infections

Hemant Parmar1, Mohannad Ibrahim

  • 1Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0302, USA. hparmar@umich.edu

Neuroimaging Clinics of North America
|November 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric central nervous system (CNS) infections require prompt diagnosis to prevent brain damage. This review covers congenital and bacterial CNS infections in children, noting distinct causes but similar imaging to adults.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric neurology
  • Neuroinfectious diseases
  • Medical imaging

Background:

  • Central nervous system (CNS) infections in children are a critical concern, necessitating early detection to prevent lasting neurological deficits, particularly in neonates.
  • Causal agents and clinical manifestations of pediatric CNS infections differ significantly from adult presentations.
  • Despite differing etiologies, imaging characteristics of CNS infections in children often resemble those seen in adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of common pediatric central nervous system infections.
  • To highlight the importance of early recognition and diagnosis in managing pediatric neuroinfections.
  • To discuss congenital and bacterial infections affecting the pediatric CNS.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on pediatric central nervous system infections.
  • Discussion of congenital (in utero) infections.
  • Examination of bacterial infections involving the meninges and brain parenchyma.

Main Results:

  • Pediatric CNS infections present unique challenges due to differing causative factors and clinical signs compared to adults.
  • Imaging findings in pediatric CNS infections share similarities with adult presentations, aiding in diagnosis.
  • Congenital infections and bacterial meningitis/encephalitis are significant concerns in pediatric populations.

Conclusions:

  • Early identification of pediatric CNS infections is crucial for mitigating long-term neurological sequelae.
  • Understanding the specific epidemiology and clinical features of pediatric neuroinfections is essential for effective management.
  • Imaging plays a vital role in diagnosing CNS infections across pediatric age groups.

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