Cysts of the subependymal germinal matrix: sonographic demonstration with pathologic correlation.

Abstract

Neonates (5) born at term with well-defined cystic lesions in the subependymal germinal matrix demonstrated by real-time cranial ultrasonography are reported. None had evidence of subependymal or intraventricular hemorrhage. Of the neonates (2) had congenital viral infections, 1 each with rubella virus and cytomegalovirus. Of the other 3 neonates, 2 died, and pathologic examination of their brains confirmed the presence of the cysts and showed no evidence of prior subependymal hemorrhage. Cranial CT [computed tomography] examinations of 3 patients failed to detect the subependymal cysts. Although central liquefaction in an area of prior hemorrhage is probably the most common cause of subependymal cyst formation in neonates, other conditions such as neurotropic infection should also be considered.