Aim: To study the appearance, timing and evolution of infarction occurring in the territory of the middle cerebral artery (MCA).

Subjects: During a 5 year period, 15 infants admitted to a NICU, were diagnosed as having a MCA infartct, using serial cranial ultrasound(US).

Results: The main branch was involved in 5, all belonging to the more mature group. US diagnosis was made on day 1 and 2. Involvement of 1 or more of the lenticulostriate branches was found in 7 infants, all but one with a GA below 34 wks. An US diagnosis was made after day 4 in 6/7 cases. Cortical branches were involved in the remaining 3 cases.

Outcome: 2 infants died, 6 developed hemiplegia, 3 a mild asymmetry, 1 was globally delayed and 3 are normal on follow-up.

Conclusion: Infarcts in the region of the MCA can also occur in preterm infants and are then usually involving the lenticulostriate branches.