Comparison of Cranial Ultrasound and Computed Tomographic Scan Finding in Infants with Post Meningitis Complications

Abstract

Objective: To compare the findings of cranial ultrasound and computed tomographic (CT) scans in infants with post-meningitis complications.

Methodology: A prospective analysis of 124 consecutive term infants was conducted in the department of radiology at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad from August 2021 to April 2022. Transfontanelle ultrasonography was performed with a two-dimensional Sonoace 1500 ultrasound scanner (Medison Inc, South Korea 1995) equipped with a 6.5 megahertz (MHz) curvilinear small head probe. Sagittal and coronal sections were scanned using standard techniques. We included all 124 confirm cases of meningitis came to our hospital in the period through consecutive non probability sampling, which fulfilled the required sample size to test the objective in our population. 

Results: The average age of the infants was 4 months, with 71 (57.3%) males and 53 (42.7%) were females. Ultrasonography results were confirmed by CT scans in all patients. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography was found to be 32.14%. Seizures disorders were the most common complication observed in the study population.

Conclusion: Using transfontanelle ultrasound, it is possible to diagnose lesions inside the infant's brain. Transfontanelle ultrasound scans are most often requested for hydrocephalus detection and for abnormal findings. Infants with post-meningitic complications commonly suffer seizures. In post meningitic complications, ultrasound can still be used as an early non-invasive diagnostic modality despite its low diagnostic accuracy. Improved collaboration between radiologists and pediatricians can lead to better outcomes and reduced mortality and morbidity in neonates and infants.