Cerebral infarction in term neonates: diagnosis by cerebral ultrasound

Cranial ultrasound (US) through the newborn's open fontanelle can diagnose not only intracerebral hemorrhages but also diffuse and localized hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathies. Sonographically, it was possible to distinguish between different courses of cerebral ischemia in seven neonates: (1) ischemic infarction, usually in the area of the middle cerebral artery; (2) borderline infarction; (3) transient ischemia. The patients showed lateralized seizures during the first days of life with a corresponding focus in the electroencephalogram (EEG). Computed tomography showed areas of partially reduced density corresponding to the regions of increased echogenicity in ultrasound. The course was various; prognosis was good except in one patient. Etiologically, embolism, thromboses or hypoxemia were responsible for cerebral infarction. In some cases secondary bleeding ensued. The prognostic value of cerebral lesions was dependent on the involved area, gestational age, and any concurrent hypoxic cerebral damage.