Neonatal head ultrasonography today: a powerful imaging tool!

Area of Science:

• Neonatal neurology
• Pediatric neuroimaging
• Infant brain development

Background:

• Head ultrasonography (HUS) is crucial for evaluating intracranial abnormalities in infants.
• It is a valuable tool for assessing both preterm and full-term newborns.
• HUS aids in monitoring lesion progression and brain maturation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current Head Ultrasonography techniques for infant brain assessment.
• To guide practitioners on performing HUS and interpreting findings.
• To highlight the utility of HUS as a safe and cost-efficient alternative to MRI and CT scans.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of available and standard Head Ultrasonography techniques.
• Guidance on HUS performance and interpretation.
• Review of common and rare neonatal brain pathologies detectable by HUS.

Main Results:

• Head ultrasonography is an effective method for detecting brain abnormalities in infants.
• HUS allows for monitoring of lesion progression and brain maturation.
• It serves as a safe and cost-efficient alternative to other neuroimaging modalities.

Conclusions:

• Head ultrasonography is an indispensable tool for neonatal neuroimaging.
• Experienced use of HUS enables comprehensive assessment of infant brain pathologies.
• HUS offers a practical and economical approach to evaluating neonatal intracranial abnormalities.