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Complicated infantile meningitis: evaluation by real-time sonography
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|July 1, 1982
Summary
Real-time ultrasound effectively identifies bacterial meningitis and meningoencephalitis in infants. This bedside imaging offers a valuable alternative to computed tomography (CT) for prompt diagnosis and evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection in infants.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
- Computed tomography (CT) is a common imaging modality, but requires patient transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report real-time sonographic findings in infants diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.
- To evaluate the utility of sonography as a diagnostic tool in this population.
- To compare sonographic findings with CT scans.
Main Methods:
- Sonography was performed in real-time on 20 infants with bacterial meningitis.
- Sonographic findings were analyzed for various features including ventricular enlargement and cortical echogenicity.
- Sonographic results were correlated with findings from computed tomography (CT).
Main Results:
- Sonographic findings ranged from normal scans to ventricular enlargement, focal cortical echogenicity, ventricular bands, and cerebral abscess.
- Increased cortical echogenicity on sonography correlated with meningoencephalitis and contrast enhancement on CT.
- Excellent correlation was observed between sonography and CT findings.
Conclusions:
- Sonography can detect a spectrum of findings associated with infantile bacterial meningitis and meningoencephalitis.
- Bedside sonography provides a convenient and effective alternative to CT for evaluating these conditions.
- Real-time ultrasound is a valuable tool in the management of pediatric meningitis.