Neonatal adrenal congestion: a sonographic-pathologic correlation

Abstract

We reviewed the clinical, sonographic and pathologic findings in eight neonates in whom diffuse enlargement and abnormal echogenicity of the adrenal glands was documented sonographically. Four of the patients suffered from perinatal asphyxia and two others required mechanical ventilation for other reasons. Six patients died and one suffers from severe development delay, cerebral palsy and failure to thrive. Sonographically, the glands were enlarged, their surface was smooth and there was loss of the central echogenic stripe. Diffuse sinusoidal congestion was found histologically in all five in whom autopsies were performed. These sonographic findings represent part of the spectrum of adrenal changes in neonatal asphyxia and other causes of perinatal stress, and may be associated with poor outcome because of other sequelae of asphyxia.