Limitations of ultrasound in detecting cerebral ischemic lesions in the neonate.

Ultrasound scans of three newborn infants with cerebral ischemic lesions demonstrated on computed tomographic scan showed unexpected changes in echogenicity of brain parenchyma in addition to lateralized mass effect. Areas of increased echogenicity were present adjacent to regions of infarction identified on computed tomographic scan. The findings suggest that caution should be exercised in the interpretation of echo-dense areas in unusual locations for hemorrhage in infants at risk for cerebral ischemic lesions.