J Korean Radiol Soc.
1997 Jun;36(6):1065-1069.
Radiologic Findings of Neonatal Sepsis
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center.
- 2Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine.
- 3Department of Clinical Pathology, Samsung Medical Center.
Abstract
- PURPOSE
To review the simple radiographic and sonographic findings in infants with neonatal sepsis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed simple chest and abdominal radiographs, and brain sonograms in 36 newborn infants (preterm: term=23:13). With neonatal sepsis diagnosed by blood culture and clinical manifestations.
RESULTS
Pulmonary parenchymal infiltrate excluding respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary edema or atelectasis was found in 22 infants (61%). Paralytic ileus, hepatosplenomegaly, and necrotizing enterocolitis were present in 18 (50%), 9 (25%), and 1 (3%) infants, respectively, while skeletal changes suggesting osteomyelitis were found in three. Brain sonography was performed in 29 infants and in four, abnormalities were seen ; these comprised three germinal matrix hemorrhages and one intraparenchymal hemorrhage. In six patients (17%) radiologic examinations revealed no abnormality.
CONCLUSION
In patients with neonatal sepsis, pulmonary infiltrates and paralytic ileus were common abnormalities. Although these were nonspecific, radiologic findings may be used to supplement clinical and laboratory findings in diagnosing neonatal sepsis and planning its treatment.
