Abstract
The results of ultrasound (US) head scans performed in a children's hospital over a 6 month period have been reviewed and correlated with the results of computed tomography (CT). Two hundred and twenty-four scans were performed on 141 children ranging in age from a few days to 18 months. The clinical indications with which these children were referred were: abnormal neurological symptoms or signs, screening for hydrocephalus in neural tube defects (NTD), enlarging heads, suspected intra-cranial haemorrhage (ICH) and its sequelae, suspected complications of meningitis, investigations of suspected syndromes and following trauma. Twenty-nine of these children also had CT scans. There was good correlation between the two examinations and in only one case (a subdural collection) was a serious abnormality missed by US. US head scanning has been found to be a very reliable technique. It is the initial investigation of choice for imaging the brain of neonates and infants and in many instances it is the only investigation necessary.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Babcock DS, Bokyung K, Le Quesne GW (1980) B-mode gray scale ultrasound of the head in the newborn and young infant. AJR 134: 457
Dewbury K, Bates RI (1981) The value of transfontanellar ultrasound in infants. Br J Radiol 54: 1044
Edwards MK, Brown DL, Muller J, Grossman CB, Chua GT (1981) Cribside neurosonography: real time sonography for intracranial investigation of the neonate. AJR 136: 271
Harwood Nash DC, Flodmark O (1982) Diagnostic imaging of the neonatal brain: review and protocol. AJNR 3/2: 103
Pigadas A, Thompson JR, Grube GL (1981) Normal infant brain anatomy: correlated real time sonograms and brain specimens. AJR 137: 815
Schumacher R (1982) Ultrasonic examinations of the cranium of the newborn and infants using a new ultrasonic applicator. Electromedica March 1982: 70
Schuman WP, Rogers JU, Mack LA, Alvord EC, Christie DP (1981) Real time sonographic sector scanning of the neonatal cranium. Technique and normal anatomy. AJR 137: 821
Mack LA, Wright K, Hirsch JM, Alvord EC, Guthrie RD, Schuman WP, Rogers JV, Bolender NF, Intracranial haemorrhage in premature infants: accuracy of sonographic evaluation. AJR 137: 245
Skolnick ML, Rosenbaum AE, Matzuk T, Gutukelch AN, Heinz ER (1979) Detection of dilated cerebral ventricles in infants. A correlative study between ultrasound and computed tomography. Radiology 131: 447
Volpe JJ (1982) Anterior fontanelle: window to the neonatal brain. J Pediatr 100: 395
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chambers, S.E., Hendry, G.M.A. & Wild, S.R. Real time ultrasound scanning of the head in neonates and infants, including a correlation between ultrasound and computed tomography. Pediatr Radiol 15, 4–7 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02387844
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02387844