Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Meningoencephalitis can severely damage the developing brain. Preterms are more prone for nosocomial infections with pathogens other than Group B streptococci and Escherichia coli. In this report we focus on the deleterious clinical course and imaging characteristics of proven Bacillus cereus meningoencephalitis.
METHODS: We collected 3 cases of proven Bacillus cereus meningoencephalitis. In the medical records we focused on prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal risk factors. Imaging data of several brain ultrasounds, MR images, and diffusion-weighted images were reevaluated.
RESULTS: The ultrasound and MR images show a typical pattern of mainly hemorrhagic and early cavitating, selective white matter destruction.
CONCLUSION: Knowledge of this paradigm of acquired brain injury may help to better understand the natural course of these severe neonatal infections.
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