Intrauterine and Perinatal Infections

Clin Perinatol. 2022 Sep;49(3):751-770. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2022.05.008. Epub 2022 Aug 22.

Abstract

Imaging plays an important role in evaluating patients with suspected intrauterine and perinatal infections. Advances in fetal imaging including both ultrasound and MRI allow for increasingly more specific diagnosis if the radiologist is familiar with specific imaging features and patterns. Early imaging of neonates with suspected central nervous system infection is valuable to enable prompt treatment and differentiate infection from other conditions which can clinically present similarly. Ultrasound is a useful initial modality to screen for abnormalities however MRI with and without contrast remains the optimal examination to characterize infection, evaluate for potential surgical targets, and provide prognostic information.

Keywords: Congenital infection; Fetal; MRI; Meningoencephalitis; Neonatal meningitis; Ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis* / methods
  • Ultrasonography