[Diagnostic imaging in neonatal stroke].
A cerebral artery infarction is an important differential diagnosis in the newborn with neurological abnormalities. Based on clinical data, its incidence is estimated to be 1 in 4000 newborns. Since the course is often subclinical, the true incidence is probably higher.


METHODS
Cerebral ultrasound and Doppler sonography as readily available screening tools play a central role in the initial diagnosis of neonatal cerebral infarction. Definitive diagnosis is made by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Beside symptomatic anticonvulsive therapy, treatment aims at the prevention of secondary ischemic injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Three term infants with different clinical courses of neonatal stroke are presented to sensitize the clinician and the radiologist for this probably underdiagnosed entity. The role of imaging modalities in the diagnosis and follow-up of neonatal cerebral infarction is discussed.
Kuhle
S
S
Abteilung für Neonatologie, angeborene Störungen und Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, Wien.
Ipsiroglu
O
O
Puig
S
S
Weninger
M
M
Prayer
D
D
D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D004453:Echoencephalography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D017585:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial