American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 171, 1119-1121, Copyright © 1998 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Echodense spinal subarachnoid space in neonates with progressive ventricular dilatation: a marker of noncommunicating hydrocephalus
G Rudas, Z Almassy, B Papp, E Varga, U Meder and GA Taylor
Second Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the frequency and clinical
significance of echogenic debris in the spinal subarachnoid space of
neonates at risk for progressive ventricular dilatation. SUBJECTS AND
METHODS: Spinal sonography was performed on 15 neonates with severe
intracranial hemorrhage (n = 10) or bacterial meningitis (n = 5). Spinal
sonography also was performed on 16 control neonates. Images were analyzed
for the presence and location of echogeric debris within the thoracolumbar
subarachnoid space. Lumbar punctures were performed on all 31 neonates, and
CSF was analyzed for cell count and protein content. Ten of 15 neonates
required ventricular drainage procedures. RESULTS: Progressive ventricular
dilatation occurred in 11 of 15 neonates with intracranial hemorrhage or
meningitis. Echogenic debris was present in the thoracolumbar subarachnoid
space on spinal sonography in every neonate with progressive ventricular
dilatation compared with none of the 16 control neonates (p < .0001 by
chi-square analysis). In addition, the 11 neonates with echogenic
subarachnoid space had significantly higher protein and RBC contents in the
lumbar CSF (p < .04). CONCLUSION: Echogenic subarachnoid space revealed
by sonography is associated with progressive ventricular dilatation after
severe intracranial hemorrhage or bacterial meningitis and is caused by
high protein and RBC contents in the subarachnoid space. This finding may
be helpful in identifying neonates who will not benefit from serial lumbar
punctures for treatment of hydrocephalus.