Related Experiment Videos
Low-level echogenicity in intraventricular hemorrhage versus ventriculitis.
E G Grant1, E M White, D Schellinger
1Department of Radiology, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C.
Radiology
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Low-level echogenicity in neonatal ventricles is often benign after intraventricular hemorrhage. However, reappearance may indicate ventriculitis, requiring careful monitoring in infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Neurology
- Pediatric Radiology
- Neurocritical Care
Background:
- Perinatal intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus are significant concerns in neonates.
- Serial cranial sonography is crucial for monitoring these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the significance of transient, diffuse, low-level echogenicity within the ventricles of neonates with IVH and hydrocephalus.
- To differentiate benign findings from potential complications like ventriculitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of serial cranial sonograms from 55 neonates with large perinatal IVH and moderate-to-severe posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.
- Analysis of ventricular echogenicity patterns, timing, and association with clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Diffuse, low-level echogenicity appeared in 34 of 55 neonates between 7 and 25 days post-hemorrhage, persisting for an average of 18 days.
- In 32 patients, this echogenicity was a benign finding associated with prior IVH.
- In two patients, recurrent low-level echogenicity, along with ependymal thickening and periventricular changes, indicated ventriculitis.
Conclusions:
- Transient, diffuse, low-level echogenicity is a common and typically benign finding following neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage.
- The reappearance of low-level echogenicity, especially with signs of inflammation, warrants investigation for ventriculitis.