Routine TORCH screening is not warranted in neonates with subependymal cysts.
BACKGROUND
Congenital infections are associated with a wide variety of clinical symptoms, including subependymal cysts (SEC).


OBJECTIVE
To determine the co-occurrence of SEC and congenital infections, as diagnosed by TORCH serologic tests and/or cytomegalovirus (CMV) urine culture.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective study of all neonates admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit from 1998 to 2009 in whom SEC were detected on cranial ultrasound and TORCH serologic tests and/or CMV urine cultures were performed.


RESULTS
Fifty-nine neonates fulfilled the inclusion criteria. TORCH serologic tests were performed in 69% (41/59) of cases. Urine CMV culture was performed in 68% (40/59) of cases. None of the neonates tested positive for IgM Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella and Herpes simplex virus. Positive CMV IgM titers and/or a positive urine CMV culture were detected in 2% (1/59) of neonates.


CONCLUSIONS
The co-occurrence of TORCH congenital infections in infants with SEC is rare. Routine TORCH screening in neonates with SEC does not seem warranted.
Department of Paediatrics, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.
S
S
van der Weiden
S J
SJ
Steggerda
A B
AB
Te Pas
A C T M
AC
Vossen
F J
FJ
Walther
E
E
Lopriore
D020863:Central Nervous System Cysts / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007239:Infections / Q000151:congenital* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography