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.
van der Weiden
S
S
Department of Paediatrics, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.
Steggerda
S J
SJ
Te Pas
A B
AB
Vossen
A C T M
AC
Walther
F J
FJ
Lopriore
E
E
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