Neonatal cranial sonography: A concise review for clinicians

Area of Science:

• Neonatal neurology
• Pediatric radiology
• Medical imaging

Background:

• Cranial sonography is a cornerstone in neonatal intensive care units.
• Its advantages include portability, low cost, and absence of ionizing radiation.
• It is crucial for diagnosing conditions like meningitis, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, hydrocephalus, and intracranial hemorrhage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the technique and applications of cranial sonography in neonates.
• To discuss normal and variant brain anatomy as visualized by ultrasound.
• To highlight key disease entities diagnosed using neonatal cranial sonography.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on neonatal cranial sonography.
• Discussion of sonographic techniques, including optimal probe selection and window utilization.
• Correlation of sonographic findings with normal and pathological neonatal brain development.

Main Results:

• Cranial sonography provides comprehensive evaluation of neonatal brain parenchyma.
• Understanding normal anatomy is essential for accurate interpretation of pathologies.
• Key indications include suspected meningitis, periventricular leukomalacia, hydrocephalus, and hemorrhage.

Conclusions:

• Cranial sonography is an indispensable tool for routine neonatal care.
• Proper technique and knowledge of anatomy ensure effective diagnosis.
• It plays a critical role in managing various neonatal neurological conditions.