What are the common ultrasound findings in congenital toxoplasmosis?

Congenital toxoplasmosis is an infection that can be transmitted from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. When evaluating the ultrasound findings associated with this condition, microcephaly and intracranial calcifications are particularly characteristic.

Microcephaly refers to an abnormally small head size which can occur due to various infections during pregnancy, including toxoplasmosis. This finding is indicative of potential developmental issues related to brain structure and growth.

Intracranial calcifications are another hallmark finding in congenital toxoplasmosis. They usually appear on ultrasound as echogenic areas in the brain and are a result of the inflammatory process caused by the infection. These calcifications can be periventricular or diffuse, adding to the diagnostic significance.

These ultrasound findings are critical for early detection and management of congenital toxoplasmosis, guiding further evaluation and intervention for affected infants.