[Why perform routine brain sonography in late preterm infants?]

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatric Neurology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Late preterm infants face risks including respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
• Congenital hypothyroidism and prolonged jaundice are significant neonatal conditions.
• Lenticulostriate vasculopathy (LSV) is a recognized finding in neonates.

Observation:

• A case of a late preterm infant presented with RDS, prolonged jaundice, and congenital hypothyroidism.
• The infant subsequently developed late-onset lenticulostriate vasculopathy (LSV).

Findings:

• The observed LSV in this case was not anticipated by standard newborn brain screening protocols.
• LSV has been associated with various neurodevelopmental abnormalities in prior literature.

Implications:

• Current neuroimaging screening guidelines for newborns may not detect all cases of LSV.
• Early identification of LSV is crucial for timely intervention and management of potential neurodevelopmental issues.
• This case underscores the need to reconsider and potentially expand screening criteria for neonatal brain abnormalities.