Increased Periventricular Echogenicity (Periventricular Halos) in Neonatal Brain: A Sonographic Study

Abstract

This study was designed in order to evaluate frequency and natural development of periventricular increased echogenicity (periventricular halos) as a sonographic feature. Sixty healthy term neonates were examined sonographically through the open fontanel within the first twelve hrs of life (phase I). Out of this group, forty-three infants were again studied between the twenty-fourth and forty-eighth hr of life (phase II), forty between third and eighth day of life (phase III), twenty between third and sixth week of life (phase IV) and twelve between third and fifth months of life (phase V).
Halos were found in occipital areas in 83% in I, in 86% in II, in 85% in III, in 35 % in IV and in 0% in V. They presented as increased echogenicity predominantly occipitally and frontally at the external angles of both lateral ventricles. There was no correlation to the mode of delivery.
The differential diagnosis (haemorrhage, hypoxicischaemic injury, oedema) is discussed. Periventricular increased echogenicity represents a common sonographic finding in clinically healthy term infants. When present in the typical form as described here it seems to have no pathological significance. Each clinician examining neonatal heads sonographically should be familiar with his phenomenon and its interpretation.

Key words

Neonatal brain - Neonatal sonography - Increased periventricular echogenicity - Periventricular halos