Pediatric Ultrasound

Ultrasound is portable and easy to perform, does not utilize ionizing radiation or require sedation, and can be performed without administration of intravenous contrast, thus it is a commonly used imaging modality in neonates and infants. Cranial ultrasound is performed predominantly through the anterior fontanelle and requires an open fontanelle. Spinal ultrasound is performed through the back and demonstrates the spinal canal with superb resolution as long as the posterior elements of the spine are not ossified. Common indications for cranial ultrasound include screening of preterm neonates for germinal matrix and intraventricular hemorrhage, evaluation of term neonates with neurologic abnormalities and evaluation of macrocephaly in infants. Spinal sonogram is commonly performed in neonates and young infants with lumbosacral stigmata that may be associated with spinal dysraphism, sacral anomalies and anorectal malformations. In the next chapter, we will further discuss the indications for sonographic imaging of the brain and spine in infants and neonates, imaging techniques and common findings.