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Updated: May 13, 2026
10:02
State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
Published on: February 2, 2015
The open fontanelle: a window to less radiation
Tafadzwa Mandiwanza1, Colm Saidlear2, John Caird3
1Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1, Republic of Ireland. fadzi411@gmail.com.
Summary
Cranial ultrasound (CRUSS) can reliably follow infants with shunts, reducing radiation exposure from CT scans. This is crucial for radiosensitive children, minimizing long-term risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Neuroimaging
- Radiation Safety
Background:
- Growing concern over radiation doses from medical imaging in children.
- Pediatric patients are more radiosensitive with longer lifespans for radiation effects.
- Anterior fontanelle in infants under one year provides an acoustic window for cranial ultrasound (CRUSS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate imaging patterns (CT vs. CRUSS) in infants under one year with shunt-treated hydrocephalus.
- To assess the utilization of CT scans and CRUSS in this specific pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of imaging in patients who received shunts before age one.
- Calculation of effective radiation doses for CT scans performed.
- Analysis of imaging modalities used during the follow-up period post-shunt insertion.
Main Results:
- 135 patients analyzed; 227 CTs and 124 CRUSS performed.
- Most infants (92) had CT follow-up, while only 14 had CRUSS.
- Average effective radiation dose from CT was 2.76 mSv.
Conclusions:
- Cranial ultrasound (CRUSS) is a reliable imaging tool for infants with shunts and an open fontanelle.
- Utilizing CRUSS can significantly reduce radiation exposure in this vulnerable pediatric group.
- CRUSS offers a safer alternative to CT for monitoring shunt-treated hydrocephalus in young children.
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