Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 4, 2026

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
11:27

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

Published on: April 7, 2023

8.4K

Brain sonography in African infants with complicated sporadic bacterial meningitis

Kenneth C Eze1, Sam U Enukegwu2, Angela I Odike3

  • 1Department of Radiology, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) Irrua and GreenHill Radiological Centre, Ebhoakhuala, Ekpoma, Nigeria.

Nigerian Medical Journal : Journal of the Nigeria Medical Association
|January 10, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Brain sonography revealed hydrocephalus, cerebral infarction, and abscesses as common complications in African infants with bacterial meningitis. Early antibiotic treatment for fever and convulsions can prevent long-term neurological damage.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in infants.
  • Understanding the structural brain changes associated with complicated meningitis is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify structural brain abnormalities in African infants diagnosed with complicated sporadic bacterial meningitis using brain sonography.
  • To correlate sonographic findings with clinical presentations and treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of medical records and brain sonography results from 86 infants with complicated bacterial meningitis.
  • Data collected over a 4-year period (September 2004 - September 2008).

Main Results:

  • Hydrocephalus (41.86%), cerebral infarction (13.95%), and intracerebral abscess (8.14%) were the most frequent sonographic findings.
  • Seventy percent of infants were under 6 months old, with fever and convulsions being the primary presenting complaints.
  • A significant proportion of infants received prior treatment at various healthcare facilities, including specialist and traditional centers.

Conclusions:

  • Sonography is effective in detecting common complications of bacterial meningitis such as hydrocephalus, cerebral infarction, and intracerebral abscess.
  • Prompt and appropriate antibiotic therapy for fever and convulsions is essential to mitigate meningitis complications and long-term neurological deficits.
Abstract

Keywords:
Africabraincomplicationinfantsmeningitissonography

More Related Videos

State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates10:02

State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates

Published on: February 2, 2015

25.8K
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis08:46

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis

Published on: August 12, 2020

5.5K

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial...
21
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
15
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
199
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
24
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
589