Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2025
Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Infants with Benign Enlargement of the Subarachnoid Space
Jafar Nasiri1, Yahya Madihi1, Azadeh Sadat Mirzadeh1
1Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Insights
Benign enlargement of the subarachnoid space (BESS) is common in infants. This study found developmental delays in 22% of BESS infants, particularly those with early macrocephaly, highlighting the need for medical attention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infant Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Background:
- Benign enlargement of the subarachnoid space (BESS) is a frequent cause of macrocephaly in infants.
- Understanding neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with BESS is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants diagnosed with Benign enlargement of the subarachnoid space (BESS).
Main Methods:
- A follow-up study assessed infants diagnosed with BESS between 2012-2016.
- Neurodevelopment was evaluated using the Denver Developmental Screening Test-II (DDST-II) at 24 months.
- Macrocephaly outcomes were monitored at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.
Main Results:
- Out of 32 infants, 22% exhibited developmental delay.
- Infants with developmental delay showed significantly larger head circumferences at birth and 6 months.
- Macrocephaly persisted at 18 months in 83.3% of infants.
Conclusions:
- Developmental delay is common in infants with Benign enlargement of the subarachnoid space (BESS).
- Early macrocephaly is associated with a higher risk of developmental delay.
- BESS infants, especially those with early macrocephaly, require medical monitoring and intervention.
Objective:
Benign enlargement of the subarachnoid space (BESS) is the most common cause of macrocephaly in infants. This study aimed to evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with BESS.
Materials & Methods:
In this follow-up study, all records of infants diagnosed with BESS in 2012-2016 were assessed. A clinical follow-up examination was carried out at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of age to assess the macrocephaly outcomes. Denver Developmental Screening Test-II (DDST-II) was used for evaluating the psychomotor development of infants at 24 months of age. All data were entered in SPSS Version 13, and descriptive statistics were measured.
Results:
Out of 32 infants included in this study, 28 (87.5%) were boys. Five cases of prematurity history (15.6%), and 23 cases of macrocephaly in the family (71.9%) were recorded. The mean age of BESS diagnosis was 6.8 months (SD=3.2). subdural hematoma was reported in one infant (3.1%). Also, 28 infants showed macrocephaly at 18 months of age (83.3%). Seven patients had developmental delay, according to DDST-II (22%). The mean head circumference at birth and six months of age was significantly greater in infants with developmental delay compared to those with normal development. There was a significant difference between the mean head circumference at birth (P=0.05) and the mean head circumference at six months of age (P=0.02).
Conclusion:
Developmental delay is frequent in BESS infants, especially those with macrocephaly at birth and six months of age, and requires medical attention.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Neurulation
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies