Linear Echogenicity of Lenticulostriate Arteries in Neonates: A Significant Cranial Ultrasound Finding

Dr M Swaminathan MB BS MD DCH, Dr M W Davies MB BS FRACP DCH, Dr F R Betheras MB BS FRCOG FRACOG DDU. Neonatal fellow, Senior Neonatal Fellow, Neonatal Ultrasonologist, Division of Neonatal Services, The Royal Women's Hospital, Carlton, Victoria

Summary
The lenticulostriate arteries are blood vessels that supply the region of the basal ganglia and internal capsule. They are normally anechoic structures on cranial sonography. In newborns, the echogenic appearance of lenticulostriate arteries has been reported in the literature to be associated with intrauterine infections, asphyxia and in association with chromosomal aneuploidy. However not much is known about the natural history of this cranial sonography in newborns.

This retrospective study analyses the associated features of linear echogenicity of lenticulostriate arteries in term and preterm newborn and reviews the literature of the previously publised case reports with this finding. The study raises the question that further detailed studies are needed to elucidate the natural history of this significant cranial ultrasound findings in newborns.