Purpose or Case Report: The purpose of this exhibit is to educate sonographers on proper technique when performing cranial ultrasounds as well as present abnormalities they may encounter. I will present detailed scenarios when scanning pediatric heads which will discuss proper parameters including proper orders, technique, transducers, and limitations of patients. Age appropriate scanning will be addressed in order to ensure an adequate, diagnostic, and meaningful study. Normal and abnormal anatomy and pathology will be addressed and discussed. Patient positioning and transducer placement will be reviewed.
Methods & Materials: In our institution, multiple images are obtained for a complete and comprehensive cranial ultrasound. Images are obtained through the anterior, posterior, and mastoid fontanelles. Different types of transducers are used to provide detailed information of the brain echotexture, ventricles, cerebellum, and extra axial space. I will present multiple images demonstrating normal anatomy and abnormal findings such has intracranial hemorrhage, PVL, agenesis of the corpus collosum or cavum septum pellucidum, infarction, ventriculitis, porencephalic cysts, and more.
Results: Often times, subtle abnormalities can be overlooked when cranial ultrasounds are performed. This presentation will give sonographers useful information regarding the importance of utilizing the proper transducer and recognizing normal anatomy and abnormal findings. This will in turn greatly assist the Radiologist in interpreting these studies.
Conclusions: Utilizing the proper transducers and technique will improve the diagnostic value of cranial ultrasounds. Understanding the normal and abnormal findings will greatly assist the Radiologist in interpreting the studies.