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[Sonographic follow-up studies in purulent meningitis and its complications in infancy]
Insights
Cranial ultrasonography reveals key signs of meningitis complications in newborns and infants. Early detection of these sonographic findings aids prompt therapeutic adjustments, improving outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Meningitis poses significant risks to newborns and infants.
- Early diagnosis and management of complications are critical.
- Cranial ultrasonography is a valuable non-invasive tool in this age group.
Purpose:
- To identify characteristic sonographic signs indicative of meningitis complications in infants.
- To assess the utility of ultrasonography for early detection of these complications.
Summary:
- Sonographic examination of the brain in 29 newborns and 18 infants with meningitis identified specific signs suggesting complications.
- These signs include increased leptomeningeal and periventricular echogenicity (ventriculitis), altered ventricular configuration, abnormal CNS-fluid echoes (indicating increased cell/protein content), inflamed choroid plexus, and membranes in enlarged ventricles.
- Ultrasonography is ideal for early diagnosis of meningitis complications in the first year of life, enabling timely therapeutic changes.
Impact:
- Facilitates prompt diagnosis of meningitis complications in neonates and infants.
- Enables timely therapeutic interventions, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality.
- Highlights the importance of cranial ultrasonography in managing pediatric meningitis.
Abstract:
In 29 newborns and 18 infants ill with meningitis the following characteristic signs visible by sonographic examination of the brain mostly indicated complications: increase of the leptomeningeal echogenicity, increase of the periventricular echogenicity in ventriculitis, alterations of the configuration of the ventricles, typical echos in the CNS-fluid by increased cell and protein content, alterations of the Plexus chorioideus caused by inflammation, membranes in the enlarged ventricular system. In the first year of life the sonographic examination of the brain is ideal for early diagnosis of possible complications in meningitis to change the therapeutic management without any loss of time.