Experience with large cerebral abscesses in six newborn or very young infants is the basis for this report and discussion. Hydrocephalus, an afebrile state, and an elevated white blood cell count were characteristic. Diagnosis by aspiration was usually fortuitous in the process of subdural tap or ventriculography. Treatment by multiple aspirations was reasonably successful, but ultimate excision of the shrunken abscess may be wise. In only one case was the source of infection obvious.

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Objective-To investigate the use of a simple intrasound device in the detection of malleolar fractures in the accident and emergency (A&E) department. Methods-Patients aged 16 to 70 years with ankle injuries presenting within 24 hours were considered for inclusion in the study. Those patients with bony tenderness, inability to weight bear, and swelling were examined with a simple intrasound device before x ray examination. A positive result of discomfort, pain, withdrawal response, or combinations of these was noted.Results-The device had a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 52% in detecting malleolar fractures. Conclusions-The use ofintrasound in the detection of malleolar fractures cannot be relied upon alone, but it may help to limit the number of x rays taken unnecessarily. A further study is proposed to confirm these findings.