Correlation of early neurologic outcome and CT findings in neonatal brain hypoxia and injury.

Ninety cranial computed tomography scans were analyzed in 56 high risk neonates (30 premature and 26 term). Neurologic follow-up averaging 18 months in length was obtained. Four types of intracranial hemorrhage were seen: subdural (with three subtypes), germinal matrix--intraventricular, primary subarachnoid, and cerebellar. The four types differ in age of occurrence, mechanism, and prognosis. Mild periventricular low density was present in most of the neonates and did not correlate with future neurologic deficit. Severe periventricular leukomalacia (16%) and cortical low density zones (12%) at 40 weeks did correlate with abnormal motor and mental development.