Neonatal Brain -Connatal Cysts – A Normal Variant

Connatal Cysts are a benign normal variant in the neonatal brain which can be detected by high resolution ultrasound. They are always multiple and are located in the parenchyma adjacent to the anterior horns of the lateral ventricles. They are commonly seen on the first postnatal scan but will resolve spontaneously. Connatal cysts should not be confused with other cystic pathologies, timing and location should assist with this. Differentiation from cystic degeneration of a grade 1 (subependymal) bleed which occurs in the caudate nucleus and in the caudothalmic notch is done by location. Cysts associated with periventricular leukomalacia don’t usually occur until later in the postnatal period so timing should help differientate these.

Spinal Ultrasound -normal variants

Small Bowel Intussusception