Diagnostic value of neuroimaging techniques in newborn infants with malformations of internal organs

Aim of the study to determine the frequency and nature of brain lesions by the neuroimaging techniques (MRI and NSG) determining Objective: to establish the frequency and nature of brain lesions that cause CNS functional and irreversible disorders in newborn infants with malformations of internal organs in the perioperative period, by applying neuroimaging techniques.

Materials and methods. 243 case histories of neonatal patients with congenital malformations of internal organs were analyzed. Their gestational age was 32 to 41 weeks (37.9±1.4 weeks). All the patients underwent neurosonography three times (within the first 24 hours after birth or in the preoperative period, in the postoperative period, and 1 week after surgery); their neurological status was evaluated. Neurological changes and structural disorders, as evidenced by neurosonography, served as an indication for brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 15 (6.2%) neonates.

Results. In the perioperative period, more than 40% of children (n=102) had neurological changes as both temporary and organic hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, as confirmed by neuroimaging techniques. In 53 (52%) cases, pathological changes revealed by neurosonography and brain MRI were seen as an extension of the outer and inner cerebrospinal fluid spaces (n=36), cerebral cysts of various locations (n=1), intrathecal (n=3) and intraventricular (n=42) hemorrhages, and acute cerebrovascular accident (n=1).

Conclusion. Newborn infants with congenital abnormalities of internal organs need a comprehensive examination aimed to timely identify risk factors for perinatal organic and transient lesions of the nervous system at the stages of the perioperative period.

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