Neonatal adrenal congestion: a sonographic-pathologic correlation

We reviewed the clinical, sonographic and pathologic findings in eight neon ates in whom diffuse enlargement and abnormal echogenicity of the adrenal g lands was documented sonographically. Four of the patients suffered from pe rinatal asphyxia and two others required mechanical ventilation for other r easons. Six patients died and one suffers from severe development delay, ce rebral palsy and failure to thrive. Sonographically, the glands were enlarg ed, their surface was smooth and there was loss of the central echogenic st ripe. Diffuse sinusoidal congestion was found histologically in all five in whom autopsies were performed. These sonographic findings represent part o f 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.