Neonatal cranial ultrasound

Neonatal cranial ultrasound continues to be a popular initial imaging modality because of the safety, low-cost, and portability of the examination. The higher frequency transducers and enhanced ability for signal processing that is possible with current ultrasound machines improves visualization of complex congenital anomalies, complications of pregnancy, and birth and neoplastic processes. This article reviews these conditions so that the reader will have a baseline knowledge of the ultrasound findings. With the use of neonatal cranial ultrasound, recognition of the maximum diagnostic information available on the sonogram and appropriate use of other cross-sectional imaging modalities are improved.