title: Neuroimaging examination of newborns in vertically acquired infections.
abstract: Congenital/perinatal nervous system (CNS) infections are an important cause of mortality and morbidity in neonatal period, and long-term sequelae. Many pathogens can lead to infections frequently involving the CNS, with possible disruption of brain development, which often is related to gestational age of maternal infection. The mechanism of infection and damage is different among the infectious agents, leading to more specific pathologic findings. It is necessary in newborns with confirmed or suspected CNS infection to undergo investigation by neuroimaging techniques to help healthcare providers, give adequate treatment and follow-up care and counsel parents. Computed tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and cerebral ultrasonography are fundamental tools in evaluating infants with suspected or proved congenital/perinatal infections. Each imaging technique has its advantages, disadvantages and limits, since they are sometimes complementary.
authors: Pediatric Department S. Maria della Scaletta General Hospital, Imola, Bologna, Italy. m.lanari@ausl.imola.bo.it
authors: Marcello
authors: M
authors: Lanari
authors: Maria Grazia
authors: MG
authors: Capretti
authors: Tiziana
authors: T
authors: Lazzarotto
mesh_terms: D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D059906:Neuroimaging / Q000379:methods*; D010808:Physical Examination; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis; D011379:Prognosis; D012409:Rubella / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis; D013587:Syphilis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000635:transmission; D014463:Ultrasonography