Infantile Encephalomalacia with Multiple Cavity Formation

Abstract

Sporadic reports of encephalomalacia with cavity formation in infants have appeared in the literature. An increasing number of such reports has appeared in the past several years, and with them has come increasing recognition of the condition as a disease entity. Thus far, much more is known regarding the pathological than the clinical features of the disorder. We report another case tending to elaborate the pathology of the disease. Report of a Case Little is known regarding the patient, who was a white boy of 3½ months. The mother was in good health during pregnancy but one week before delivery suffered an attack of pneumonia. The birth history was reported as normal. There were no seizures at birth. At 2 weeks of age the infant developed growling respirations, and at 7 weeks he had a bloody nasal discharge, extended his arms stiffly, and was noted to have a staring gaze.