Neonatal Head Ultrasound: Normal Findings and Common Abnormalities

Abstract

Ultrasound is frequently used for the evaluation of the brain parenchyma and brain pathologies in neonates, due to its low cost, accessibility, and the absence of ionizing radiation, making it a great tool for a quick and feasible diagnosis in both term and preterm neonates. Ultrasound has a special role in the detection of germinal matrix hemorrhage, its complications, and sequelae. This article proposes a simple approach for the evaluation of the main anatomic structures of the neonate’s brain, through different approaches (anterior, posterior, and mastoid) based on diagrams and image correlation, as well as a review of the principal anatomic variants that should be considered and main pathologies. We also include the pitfalls and the most common radiologic appearance for a quick and appropriate identification to provide a correct diagnosis in the clinical setting.Learning Objective: To identify and interpret the main findings in neonatal head ultrasound, including anatomic variants and the main pathologies in both full-term and preterm neonates