ABSTRACT
Three neonates with herpes encephalitis had serial cranial ultrasound and CT studies
performed during their hospitalization. Initially, subtle changes of diffuse brain
edema were present but with no ventricular compression. A second phase revealed progressive
brain edema with ventricular compression. A third phase with enlarging ventricles
indicates developing encephalomalacia. Occasionally cyst formation may be noted within
the cerebral white matter, a phenomenon initially more readily evident by ultrasound.
