Brain abscesses in neonates: Neurosonographic diagnosis and long-term follow-up

Abstract

Brain abscesses were neurosongraphically diagnosed in 3 out of 44 neonates who had confirmed purulent meningitis. In two cases, the cause was Proteus mirabillis, whereas in one the cause could not be isolated. The ultrasound finding indicated abscess cavities localised in the frontal (in one case bilaterally) and temporal regions of the CNS. Neurosurgical interventions were carried out on all of the neonates who had abscesses (including the evacuation of purulent cavity contents, and later on a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in two cases, because of the development of hydrocephalus). Follow-up on the operated infants revealed that one infant died at the age of 9 months; one, who had a bilateral abscess, demonstrated significant neurodevelopmental retardation in the third month of his life (so far it has not been brought under control); while the third one, whom we monitored until the age of 2, displayed regular psychomotor development (preserved intellect, motor skills, sight, and hearing).