Abstract：Objective: To explore MRI meningeal enhancement patterns in infants with intracranial infection. Methods: Ninety-five cases(45 males and 50 female) were included in our study. Meningeal enhancement patterns were divided into four grades. The final diagnosis was based on evidence from cerebrospinal fluid biochemical examinations and clinical manifestations. Results: For meningeal enhancement patterns in 33 cases of viral encephalitis, there were 14 cases of grade 0, 0 case of grade Ⅰ, 12 cases of grade Ⅱ, and 7 cases of grade Ⅲ. For meningeal enhancement patterns in 17 cases of purulent meningitis, there were 0 case of grade 0, 15 cases of grade Ⅰ, 0 case of grade Ⅱ, and 2 cases of grade Ⅲ. In 25 cases of tuberculous meningitis, meningeal enhancement patterns included 7 cases of grade 0, 0 case of grade Ⅰ, 2 cases of grade Ⅱ, and 16 cases of grade Ⅲ. There were 20 patients without infection. Conclusion: It is not a reliable sign to diagnose infantile intracranial infection only by mild to moderate enhancement of the pia mater which is rich in capillaries, with slight changes in pathology, imaging findings can be normal in early stage of infantile intracranial infection and final diagnosis depends on clinical findings and follow-up.
2015, Vol. 26 
