To analize the main US brain findings in meningitis and its complications in pediatric patients. To emphasize the relationship between imaging findings and underlying pathological changes.

- INTRODUCTION: Bacterial and viral meningitis is an uncommon but serious condition in the newborn and infant child. Despite the recent advances in neonatal intensive care units and a wide range of potent antibiotics, neonatal meningitis remains an important cause of neurological disability worldwide. - PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF MENINGITIS: Meningitis usually occurs as a result of bacteremia and sepsis, with initial seeding of the central nervous system via the choroid plexus. The infection then...

SONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN MENINGITIS: Ultrasound abnormalities are present in approximately 65% of infants with acute bacterial meningitis. However, the frequency of imaging abnormalities in patients with a clinical presentation complicated by persistent seizures, abnormal neurological findings and a deterioration of CSF examination within the first 48 hours can be as high as 100%. Because the major advantage of sonography is its ability to be safely repeated, a second study should be performed...

Cranial sonography plays an important role in the initial evaluation of infants with suspected bacterial meningitis and in monitoring for complications of the disease. Its utility is enhanced by the use of alternative scanning approaches and Doppler techniques for identification of ventriculitis, extra-axial fluid collections, and hemodynamic alterations. Early diagnosis of the primary disease and its complications is essential for the prevention of neurodevelopmental sequelae.

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-Ali Yikilmaz, George A. Taylor (2008)Sonographic findings in bacterial meningitis in neonatesand young infants. Pediatr Radiol38:129–137 - Daneman A, Epelman M, Blaser S et al (2006) Imaging of the brain in full-term neonates: does sonography still play a role? Pediatr Radiol 36:636–646 -Kastrup O, Wanke I, Maschke M (2005) Neuroimaging ofinfections. NeuroRx 2:324–332 -Syrogiannopoulos GA, Nelson JD, McCracken GH Jr (1986)Subdural collections of fluid in acute bacterial meningitis: a review...