The accuracy of high resolution, real-time ultrasonography of the head in infancy

Abstract

A technique for imaging the infant head is described, which uses commercially available, high resolution, real-time ultrasonography. Serial scans are obtained in axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. Normal anatomic structures such as ventricles, cerebral peduncles, pons, cerebellum, sulci, gyri, choroid plexus, falx cerebri, and tentorium cerebelli can be demonstrated. From May through December 1979, over 200 examinations were performed on 136 patients younger than two years; 42 cases were normal and 94 abnormal, with hydrocephalus of various etiologies the most common abnormality. Developmental anomalies such as Dandy-Walker cyst, intraventricular and intracerebral hemorrhage, subdural hematomas, arachnoid cysts, and tumors were demonstrated. Correlation by clinical follow-up, computed tomography, or pathologic examination was available on 94 patients; correlation was excellent. The resolution approaches that possible with an articulated-arm, digital B-scanner.