Comparison between lung ultrasonography and chest X-ray in the evaluation of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

PURPOSE: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), also known as hyaline membrane disease, is the most common clinical syndrome encountered among preterm infants, and the complications of the disease account for substantial mortality. Diagnosis of RDS is based on the clinical status of patients in correlation with laboratory parameters and chest X-ray. Lung ultrasound despite its wide use still is not incorporated into diagnostic algorithms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic ability of lung ultrasound in diagnosing respiratory distress syndrome as well as in the monitoring of the response to treatment. A secondary aim was to propose a modified ultrasound grading scale. METHODS: The prospective study included 150 neonates with clinical and radiographic signs of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome within the first 24 h of life, with different gestational age (≤ 35 weeks). Lung ultrasound was performed by two radiologists and correlated with a chest X-ray. Two gradation scales (ultrasound and X-ray) were compared and each scale was correlated with the patient's clinical data. RESULTS: In comparison between ultrasound findings and X-ray results showed a statistically significant difference in a favor of ultrasound. Based on the presence of subpleural consolidations, further differentiation of ultrasound profiles were made into subgroups and new ultrasound classification have been proposed. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that lung ultrasound enables the diagnosing of respiratory distress syndrome in premature neonates and also shows a significant correlation with chest X-ray, which is considered as a radiological method of choice for the diagnosis of RDS.

La eritropoyetina humana recombinante reduce la disfunción sensoriomotora y el deterioro cognitivo en ratas con enfermedad renal crónica / Human recombinant erythropoietin reduces sensorimotor dysfunction and cognitive impairment in rat models of chronic kidney disease

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) puede provocar anemia e inducir afectaciones neurológicas. La eritropoyetina humana recombinante (rHuEPO) se utiliza en el tratamiento de la anemia en la ERC. Sin embargo, existe poca evidencia de los efectos de la rHuEPO sobre la conducta y las funciones cognitivas en la ERC. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto del tratamiento con rHuEPO sobre las funciones sensoriomotoras y cognitivas en un modelo de ERC. MÉTODOS: Ratas macho de la cepa Wistar fueron asignadas a 4 grupos: control y ERC, con y sin tratamiento con rHuEPO (1.050 UI/kg de peso, una vez por semana durante 4 semanas). Las pruebas conductuales de laberinto acuático de Morris, campo abierto y cinta adhesiva se realizaron de manera simultánea a la inducción del daño renal y el tratamiento. Mientras que la determinación de marcadores de función renal y anemia se realizaron al término del estudio. RESULTADOS: El tratamiento con rHuEPO redujo el daño en el riñón y corrigió la anemia en las ratas con ERC. En las pruebas conductuales, el tratamiento con rHuEPO redujo la disfunción sensoriomotora observada en los animales con ERC. Por otra parte, en los animales con ERC y tratamiento con rHuEPO resolvieron el laberinto en menor tiempo en comparación a los grupos control. CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento con rHuEPO reduce el daño en el riñón, corrige la anemia y reduce la disfunción sensoriomotora y cognitiva en los animales con ERC

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can cause anaemia and neurological disorders. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is used to manage anaemia in CKD. However, there is little evidence on the effects of rHuEPO on behaviour and cognitive function in CKD. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of rHuEPO in sensorimotor and cognitive functions in a CKD model. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control and CKD, with and without rHuEPO treatment (1050 IU per kg body weight, once weekly for 4 weeks). The Morris water maze, open field, and adhesive removal tests were performed simultaneously to kidney damage induction and treatment. Markers of anaemia and renal function were measured at the end of the study. RESULTS: Treatment with rHuEPO reduced kidney damage and corrected anaemia in rats with CKD. We observed reduced sensorimotor dysfunction in animals with CKD and treated with rHuEPO. These rats also completed the water maze test in a shorter time than the control groups. CONCLUSIONS: rHuEPO reduces kidney damage, corrects anemia, and reduces sensorimotor and cognitive dysfunction in animals with CKD

Human recombinant erythropoietin reduces sensorimotor dysfunction and cognitive impairment in rat models of chronic kidney disease. / La eritropoyetina humana recombinante reduce la disfunción sensoriomotora y el deterioro cognitivo en ratas con enfermedad renal crónica.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can cause anaemia and neurological disorders. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is used to manage anaemia in CKD. However, there is little evidence on the effects of rHuEPO on behaviour and cognitive function in CKD. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of rHuEPO in sensorimotor and cognitive functions in a CKD model. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control and CKD, with and without rHuEPO treatment (1050 IU per kg body weight, once weekly for 4 weeks). The Morris water maze, open field, and adhesive removal tests were performed simultaneously to kidney damage induction and treatment. Markers of anaemia and renal function were measured at the end of the study. RESULTS: Treatment with rHuEPO reduced kidney damage and corrected anaemia in rats with CKD. We observed reduced sensorimotor dysfunction in animals with CKD and treated with rHuEPO. These rats also completed the water maze test in a shorter time than the control groups. CONCLUSIONS: rHuEPO reduces kidney damage, corrects anemia, and reduces sensorimotor and cognitive dysfunction in animals with CKD.

Pregnancy outcomes after maternal Zika virus infection in a non-endemic region: prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to describe pregnancy outcomes after Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in a non-endemic region. METHODS: According to the Spanish protocol issued after the ZIKV outbreak in Brazil in 2015, all pregnant women who had travelled to high-burden countries were screened for ZIKV. Serological and molecular tests were used to identify ZIKV-infected pregnant women. They were classified as confirmed ZIKV infection when reverse transcription (RT) PCR tested positive, or probable ZIKV infection when ZIKV immunoglobulin M and/or immunoglobulin G and ZIKV plaque reduction neutralization tests were positive. Women found positive using molecular or serological tests were prospectively followed-up with ultrasound scans and neurosonograms on a monthly basis until delivery; magnetic resonance imaging and amniotic fluid testing were performed after signed informed consent. Samples of placenta, and fetal and neonatal tissues were obtained. RESULTS: Seventy-two pregnant women tested positive for ZIKV infection: ten were confirmed by RT-PCR, and 62 were probable cases based on serological tests. The prevalence of adverse perinatal outcomes was 33.3% (three out of nine, 95% CI 12.1-64.6%): two cases of congenital ZIKV syndrome (CZS) and one miscarriage, all born to women infected in the first trimester of gestation. All ZIKV-confirmed women had persistent viraemias beyond 2 weeks (median 61.50 days; IQR 35.50-80.75). Amniotic fluid testing was only positive in the two fetuses with anomalies. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of perinatal adverse outcomes for women with ZIKV-confirmed infection was 33.3%. Amniocentesis for ZIKV RT-PCR is recommended when fetal abnormalities are found. Intensive prenatal and postnatal follow-up of ZIKV-infected pregnancies is advised in confirmed cases.

El papel del radiólogo ante el niño maltratado. Protocolo de imagen y diagnóstico diferencial / The radiologist's role in child abuse: imaging protocol and differential diagnosis

El maltrato infantil o trauma no accidental es un problema de primer orden a nivel internacional que se calcula afecta a cerca de 12.000 niños/año en España. La existencia de lesiones específicas, así como de hallazgos no congruentes con el trauma referido, hacen que en muchas ocasiones sea el radiólogo el facultativo responsable de dar la voz de alarma sobre el abuso. La tríada formada por hematoma subdural, fracturas metafisarias y fracturas costales posteriores se ha demostrado como muy característica del síndrome del «niño zarandeado». La detección de lesiones agudas y crónicas, o en diferentes estadios de curación, en un mismo paciente es altamente específica de trauma no accidental. Fracturas de huesos largos en pacientes que aún no deambulan también son lesiones de alarma en el diagnóstico del maltrato. Lesiones con alta especificidad para maltrato, como las lesiones metafisarias clásicas o las fracturas costales posteriores, pueden ser difíciles de demostrar radiográficamente y son, de forma habitual, clínicamente ocultas. De acuerdo con los protocolos de la American College of Radiology (ACR), se recomienda que cada extremidad, superior e inferior, sea valorada en tres radiografías distintas. Es importante utilizar sistemas radiográficos de alta resolución con bajo kilovoltaje (50-70 kvp) y miliamperaje adecuado. El estudio mediante seriada esquelética se recomienda en todos los niños menores de 2 años con sospecha de maltrato. La seriada esquelética de seguimiento, en torno a las 2 semanas del estudio inicial, es útil para la detección de nuevas fracturas y para valorar la consolidación de otras, lo que facilita la datación de las lesiones. La lesión craneoencefálica es la principal causa de muerte en el niño maltratado. Pese a que la tomografía computarizada suele ser la primera técnica de neuroimagen en el trauma no accidental, la resonancia magnética craneal aporta una mejor caracterización de los hallazgos presentes en la tomografía así como una mejor estimación de la cronología de la lesiones (AU)

Child abuse or nonaccidental trauma is a major problem worldwide; in Spain, there are about 12,000 victims per year. The detection of specific lesions or findings that are incongruent with the reported mechanism of trauma mean that radiologists are often the physician responsible for sounding the alarm in cases of abuse. The triad consisting of subdural hematoma, metaphyseal fracture, and posterior rib fractures is very characteristic of the battered child syndrome. The finding of acute and chronic lesions in the same patient is highly specific for nonaccidental trauma. Fractures of long bones in patients who have yet begun to walk should also alert to possible child abuse. Lesions that are highly specific for abuse, such as classic metaphyseal fractures or posterior rib fractures, can be difficult to demonstrate radiographically and are usually clinically occult. The American College of Radiology (ACR) protocols recommend obtaining three separate X-rays of each upper and lower limb. It is important to use X-ray systems that give high resolution images with low kilovoltage (50-70 kvp) and appropriate milliamperage. A skeletal survey consisting of a series of images collimated to each body region is recommended for all children under the age of two years in whom abuse is suspected. A follow-up skeletal survey about two weeks after the initial survey is useful for detecting new fractures and for assessing the consolidation of others, which helps in dating the lesions. Head injuries are the leading cause of death in abused children. Although computed tomography is the first neuroimaging technique in nonaccidental trauma, magnetic resonance imaging of the head can better characterize the lesions seen on computed tomography and can help to estimate the age of the lesions (AU)

The radiologist's role in child abuse: imaging protocol and differential diagnosis. / El papel del radiólogo ante el niño maltratado. Protocolo de imagen y diagnóstico diferencial.

Child abuse or nonaccidental trauma is a major problem worldwide; in Spain, there are about 12,000 victims per year. The detection of specific lesions or findings that are incongruent with the reported mechanism of trauma mean that radiologists are often the physician responsible for sounding the alarm in cases of abuse. The triad consisting of subdural hematoma, metaphyseal fracture, and posterior rib fractures is very characteristic of the battered child syndrome. The finding of acute and chronic lesions in the same patient is highly specific for nonaccidental trauma. Fractures of long bones in patients who have yet begun to walk should also alert to possible child abuse. Lesions that are highly specific for abuse, such as classic metaphyseal fractures or posterior rib fractures, can be difficult to demonstrate radiographically and are usually clinically occult. The American College of Radiology (ACR) protocols recommend obtaining three separate X-rays of each upper and lower limb. It is important to use X-ray systems that give high resolution images with low kilovoltage (50-70 kvp) and appropriate milliamperage. A skeletal survey consisting of a series of images collimated to each body region is recommended for all children under the age of two years in whom abuse is suspected. A follow-up skeletal survey about two weeks after the initial survey is useful for detecting new fractures and for assessing the consolidation of others, which helps in dating the lesions. Head injuries are the leading cause of death in abused children. Although computed tomography is the first neuroimaging technique in nonaccidental trauma, magnetic resonance imaging of the head can better characterize the lesions seen on computed tomography and can help to estimate the age of the lesions.

Meningitis recurrente por defectos anatómicos: la bacteria indica su origen / Recurrent meningitis due to anatomical defects: The bacteria indicates its origin

Introducción: La meningitis recurrente es una patología infrecuente. Los factores predisponentes son alteraciones anatómicas o situaciones de inmunodeficiencia. Presentamos 4 casos en los que, excluida una inmunodeficiencia, el microorganismo responsable orientó al defecto anatómico causante de las recurrencias. Pacientes y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de 4 casos clínicos con diagnóstico de meningitis bacteriana recurrente. Resultados: Caso 1: niño de 30 meses con hipoacusia unilateral, diagnosticado por resonancia magnética (RM) de malformación de Mondini tras 2 episodios de meningitis por Haemophilus influenzae. Reparación quirúrgica tras tercera recurrencia. Caso 2: niña de 14 años diagnosticada por RM de defecto de lámina cribiforme posterior a 3 episodios de meningitis por Streptococcus pneumoniae. Se coloca válvula de derivación ventrículo-peritoneal. Caso 3: niña con meningitis por Staphylococcus aureus a los 2 y 7 meses. La RM muestra seno dérmico occipital que requiere exéresis. Complicación con abscesos cerebelosos por coexistencia de quiste dermoide. Caso 4: niño con meningitis por Streptococcus bovis a los 9 días y porEnterococcus faecium, Klebsiella pneumoniae y Escherichia coli a los 7 meses, con crecimiento de Citrobacter freundii y E. faecium posteriormente. RM compatible con síndrome de Currarino. Incluye fístula rectal de LCR, que se repara quirúrgicamente. A los 4 pacientes se les habían realizado pruebas de imagen durante los primeros episodios de meningitis, informadas como normales. Conclusiones: En los pacientes con meningitis recurrentes se debe valorar la posibilidad de un defecto anatómico; el microorganismo aislado debe ayudar a localizarlo. Es imprescindible conocer la flora normal de los potenciales focos. El tratamiento definitivo es habitualmente quirúrgico (AU)

Introduction: Recurrent meningitis is a rare disease. Anatomical abnormalities and immunodeficiency states are predisposing factors. Four cases, in which immunodeficiency was excluded, are presented. The causal microorganism led to the detection of the anatomical defect responsible for the recurrences. Patients and methods: Retrospective review of 4 cases with clinical diagnosis of recurrent bacterial meningitis. Results: Case 1: a thirty month-old boy with unilateral hearing loss, diagnosed with Mondini abnormality by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after 2 episodes of Haemophilus influenzae meningitis. Surgical repair after third recurrence. Case 2: fourteen year-old girl diagnosed by MRI with cribriform plate defect after 3 episodes of meningitis due toStreptococcus pneumoniae. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed. Case 3: girl with meningitis due to Staphylococcus aureus at 2 and 7 months. MRI shows occipital dermal sinus requiring excision. Complication with cerebellar abscesses because of a coexisting dermoid cyst. Case 4: child with meningitis due to Streptococcus bovis at 9 days andEnterococcus faecium, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli at 7 months, with positive cultures to Citrobacter freundii and E. faecium later on. Spinal MRI led to the diagnosis of Currarino syndrome with CSF fistula, which was surgically repaired. The 4 patients had undergone image studies reported as normal during the first episodes. Conclusions: In patients with recurrent meningitis the possibility of an anatomical defect should be considered. The isolated microorganism should help to locate it. It is essential to know the normal flora of the different anatomical sites. The definitive treatment is usually surgical (AU)

[Recurrent meningitis due to anatomical defects: The bacteria indicates its origin]. / Meningitis recurrente por defectos anatómicos: la bacteria indica su origen.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent meningitis is a rare disease. Anatomical abnormalities and immunodeficiency states are predisposing factors. Four cases, in which immunodeficiency was excluded, are presented. The causal microorganism led to the detection of the anatomical defect responsible for the recurrences. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 4 cases with clinical diagnosis of recurrent bacterial meningitis. RESULTS: Case 1: a thirty month-old boy with unilateral hearing loss, diagnosed with Mondini abnormality by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after 2 episodes of Haemophilus influenzae meningitis. Surgical repair after third recurrence. Case 2: fourteen year-old girl diagnosed by MRI with cribriform plate defect after 3 episodes of meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed. Case 3: girl with meningitis due to Staphylococcus aureus at 2 and 7 months. MRI shows occipital dermal sinus requiring excision. Complication with cerebellar abscesses because of a coexisting dermoid cyst. Case 4: child with meningitis due to Streptococcus bovis at 9 days and Enterococcus faecium, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli at 7 months, with positive cultures to Citrobacter freundii and E. faecium later on. Spinal MRI led to the diagnosis of Currarino syndrome with CSF fistula, which was surgically repaired. The 4 patients had undergone image studies reported as normal during the first episodes. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with recurrent meningitis the possibility of an anatomical defect should be considered. The isolated microorganism should help to locate it. It is essential to know the normal flora of the different anatomical sites. The definitive treatment is usually surgical.

Actualización en la aproximación radiológica / Update in the radiological approach

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Hipertensión intracraneal asociada a trombosis de senos venosos cerebrales y mastoiditis. A propósito de dos casos pediátricos / Intracranial hypertensión associated with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and mastoiditis. Two paediatric case reports

Introducción. La trombosis de senos venosos cerebrales es una entidad poco frecuente, en general asociada a procesos agudos, entre los que destaca la mastoiditis. En aproximadamente la mitad de los casos, cualquiera que sea su etiología, pueden detectarse trastornos protrombóticos asociados. Habitualmente los pacientes presentan clínica de cefalea, convulsiones y disminución de la conciencia, siendo este último factor de mal pronóstico. Casos clínicos. Presentamos dos pacientes pediátricos con clínica de hipertensión intracraneal en el contexto de mastoiditis como complicación de una otitis media aguda, en los que se identificó una trombosis de senos venosos cerebrales. Ambos se trataron con punciones lumbares evacuadoras y tratamiento diurético. En el segundo paciente se añadió tratamiento anticoagulante. No obstante, ante la persistencia del cuadro de hipertensión intracraneal, este paciente precisó una derivación ventriculoperitoneal. Conclusiones. El método diagnóstico de elección es la resonancia magnética con venografía, si bien, en caso de urgencia, la tomografía computarizada puede orientar el diagnóstico en un tercio de los casos. Además del tratamiento sintomático, se acepta la anticoagulación (grado de evidencia 1B) para evitar la progresión (AU)

Introduction. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a rare condition that is generally associated with acute processes, one of the most important being mastoiditis. Associated prothrombotic disorders can be detected in approximately half of all cases, regardless of the aetiology. Patients usually present clinical symptoms like headache, convulsions and diminished level of awareness, this latter factor being linked to a poor prognosis. Case reports. We report the cases of two paediatric patients with a clinical picture of intracranial hypertension within a context of mastoiditis as a complication of an acute ear infection, in whom cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was identified. Both patients were treated with lumbar punctures to evacuate erebrospinal fluid and diuretic therapy. Anticoagulant therapy was added in the case of the second patient. Nevertheless, because of the persistence of the symptoms of intracranial hypertension, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt had to be performed in this patient. Conclusions. The preferred diagnostic method is magnetic resonance imaging with venography, although in an emergency computerised tomography can help reach a diagnosis in a third of cases. In addition to treating the symptoms, anticoagulation is also accepted (degree of evidence 1B) to prevent further progression (AU)

[Intracranial hypertension associated with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and mastoiditis. Two paediatric case reports]. / Hipertensión intracraneal asociada a trombosis de senos venosos cerebrales y mastoiditis. A propósito de dos casos pediátricos.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a rare condition that is generally associated with acute processes, one of the most important being mastoiditis. Associated prothrombotic disorders can be detected in approximately half of all cases, regardless of the aetiology. Patients usually present clinical symptoms like headache, convulsions and diminished level of awareness, this latter factor being linked to a poor prognosis. CASE REPORTS: We report the cases of two paediatric patients with a clinical picture of intracranial hypertension within a context of mastoiditis as a complication of an acute ear infection, in whom cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was identified. Both patients were treated with lumbar punctures to evacuate cerebrospinal fluid and diuretic therapy. Anticoagulant therapy was added in the case of the second patient. Nevertheless, because of the persistence of the symptoms of intracranial hypertension, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt had to be performed in this patient. CONCLUSIONS: The preferred diagnostic method is magnetic resonance imaging with venography, although in an emergency computerised tomography can help reach a diagnosis in a third of cases. In addition to treating the symptoms, anticoagulation is also accepted (degree of evidence 1B) to prevent further progression.

Diagnóstico por imagen de la hipoxia neonatal: una revisión práctica. Commentario / Imaging findings in neonatal hypoxia: a practical review. Commentary

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[Cerebellar atrophy following acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae cerebellitis]. / Atrofia cerebelosa secundaria a cerebelitis aguda por Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

INTRODUCTION: Acute cerebellitis is an uncommon complication following Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. A benign and self-limited course has been described in the few reports found of this association. CASE REPORTS: We report two patients with an apparently M. pneumoniae-induced acute cerebellitis that resulted in cerebellar atrophy. Patients presented with a cerebellar syndrome including ataxia, hypotonia, dysarthric speech and dysmetria, which were preceded by signs of respiratory infection. Initial brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in case 1 was normal but in case 2 it displayed striking cerebellar swelling, small fourth ventricle and supratentorial ventriculomegaly which was self-limited and did not require neurosurgical intervention. Serological studies confirmed a recent M. pneumoniae infection. Case 1 has followed an unfavourable clinical course, with incomplete resolution of cerebellar dysfunction, while case 2 has remained asymptomatic. Follow-up brain MRI have demonstrated prominent cerebellar atrophy in both patients. CONCLUSIONS: M. pneumoniae infection should be considered in those patients with acute cerebellitis showing an incomplete resolution of cerebellar dysfunction or those who develop early cerebellar atrophy. The presenting MRI findings do not seem to predict final neurological outcome.

Atrofia cerebelosa secundaria a cerebelitis aguda por Mycoplasma pneumoniae / Cerebellar atrophy following acute mycoplasma pneumoniae cerebellitis

Introducción. La cerebelitis aguda es una complicación infrecuente de la infección por Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Los pocos pacientes descritos han seguido un curso benigno y autolimitado de forma similar al de las cerebelitis relacionadas con otros gérmenes. Casos clínicos. Describimos dos pacientes con una cerebelitisaguda por M. pneumoniae que evoluciona en pocos meses hacia una marcada atrofia cerebelosa. Los pacientes presentaron un síndrome cerebeloso caracterizado por ataxia, hipotonía, disartria y dismetría de las cuatro extremidades, precedido por signos de infección respiratoria. La resonancia magnética (RM) cerebral practicada durante la fase aguda en el caso 1 resultó normal y e nel caso 2 demostró un llamativo edema del parénquima cerebeloso, con IV ventrículo pequeño y ventriculomegalia supratentorial, que se autolimitó y que no requirió de intervención neuroquirúrgica. Los estudios serológicos permitieron confirmar la infección reciente por M. pneumoniae. En el caso 1 se ha observado la persistencia de signos de disfunción cerebelosa, mientras que el caso 2 está asintomático. Ambos pacientes muestran una llamativa atrofia cerebelosa en las RM cerebrales practicadas a lo largo de su control clínico. Conclusiones. Debe considerarse la infección por M. pneumoniae en pacientes con cerebelitis aguda que presenten resolución incompleta de la disfunción cerebelosa o que evolucionen de forma precoz hacia la atrofia cerebelosa. Las manifestaciones neurorradiológicas iniciales no permiten predecir el pronóstico neurológico final (AU)

Introduction. Acute cerebellitis is an uncommon complication following Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. A benign and self-limited course has been described in the few reports found of this association. Case reports. We report twopatients with an apparently M. pneumoniae-induced acute cerebellitis that resulted in cerebellar atrophy. Patients presented with a cerebellar syndrome including ataxia, hypotonia, dysarthric speech and dysmetria, which were preceded by signs of respiratory infection. Initial brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in case 1 was normal but in case 2 it displayed striking cerebellar swelling, small fourth ventricle and supratentorial ventriculomegaly which was self-limited and did not requiren euro surgical intervention. Serological studies confirmed a recent M. pneumoniae infection. Case 1 has followed an unfavourable clinical course, with incomplete resolution of cerebellar dysfunction, while case 2 has remained asymptomatic. Follow-up brain MRI have demonstrated prominent cerebellar atrophy in both patients. Conclusions. M. pneumoniae infection should be considered in those patients with acute cerebellitis showing an incomplete resolution of cerebellar dysfunction or those who develop early cerebellar atrophy. The presenting MRI findings do not seem to predict final neurological outcome (AU)