Reversible uncal herniation in a neonate with a large MCA infarct

Abstract

Uncal herniation due to a large cerebral infarct is well-described in adults, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. This phenomenon, however, has not been previously reported in neonates. We present a newborn male delivered via cesarean section with difficult extraction who presented with frequent seizures. He was found to have an acute left MCA territory infarct secondary to an M1 occlusion detected on MRI/MRA. He became lethargic and developed a left uncal herniation on CT at 72 h of life. He was treated medically with osmolar agents and hemodynamic support, and had resolution of the herniation on CT at 120 h of life. At 19 months he had residual moderate right hemiparesis with only mild gait disturbance and mild speech delay. As seen in this case, uncal herniation, though rare, may occur in neonates. Also, the outcome for this neonate was much better than for typical adults with a similar disease course.