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Transorbital optic nerve sheath ultrasonography in normal children
J Ballantyne1, A S Hollman, R Hamilton
1Department of Radiology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Yorkhill, Glasgow, UK.
Clinical Radiology
|December 2, 1999
Summary
Ultrasound measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) can help diagnose increased intracranial pressure (ICP). This study establishes normal ONSD ranges in children, identifying abnormal values for early diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric imaging
- Neurology
- Critical care medicine
Background:
- Early diagnosis of acute intracranial hypertension is crucial for timely treatment.
- Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) increases with intracranial pressure (ICP).
- Ultrasound offers a non-invasive, portable, and cost-effective method for ONSD measurement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normal ONSD values in infants and children up to 15 years of age.
- To provide reference ranges for diagnosing elevated ICP in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 102 children.
- Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measured using a 7 MHz sector probe, 3 mm behind the optic nerve head.
- Three measurements taken per eye.
Main Results:
- Normal ONSD range: 2.1-4.3 mm, with a mean of 3.08 mm (SD 0.36).
- No significant differences found between sexes or between right and left eyes.
- A correlation was observed between increasing age and increasing ONSD, particularly in the first two months of life.
Conclusions:
- Suggests abnormal ONSD is >4 mm in infants (<1 year) and >45 mm in older children.
- Provides ultrasound-based diagnostic criteria for elevated ICP in pediatric populations.
- Highlights the utility of ONSD ultrasound for non-invasive ICP monitoring in children.
