Increased periventricular echogenicity (periventricular halos) in neonatal brain: a sonographic study

Area of Science:

• Neonatal imaging
• Pediatric neurology
• Diagnostic sonography

Background:

• Periventricular increased echogenicity, or halos, are observed in neonatal head ultrasounds.
• Understanding their natural development and significance is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the frequency and natural progression of periventricular halos in healthy term neonates.
• To differentiate this common finding from pathological conditions.

Main Methods:

• Sonographic examinations of 60 healthy term neonates were conducted at multiple time points.
• Infants were studied within 12 hours of birth and followed up to 5 months of age.

Main Results:

• Periventricular halos were present in 83-86% of neonates in the first week of life, predominantly in occipital and frontal areas.
• The prevalence decreased significantly to 35% by the third to sixth week and was absent by 3-5 months.
• No correlation was found between halos and the mode of delivery.

Conclusions:

• Periventricular increased echogenicity is a common, transient sonographic finding in healthy term infants.
• When appearing in the typical described form, it lacks pathological significance.
• Familiarity with this phenomenon is essential for clinicians interpreting neonatal head ultrasounds.