Role of Neuro-ultrasound in Evaluation of Intracranial Pathologies in Preterm Neonates and Infants with Abnormal Neurological Presentation

Trans-fontanel ultrasound has become widely used technique and is regarded as the primary imaging procedure for neonatal and infantile brain to identify various intracranial pathologies. The inclusion of color and pulsed wave Doppler has added to the versatility of ultrasound imaging through the cranium. The non-invasive, benign nature of neurosonography results in excellent initial test for high risk preterm infants suspected of having germinal matrix hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage and then consequences like ventriculomegaly, subependymal cysts and porencephalic cystic changes. It also helps in early detection and proper management of neonates, helps in preventing neonatal morbidity, mortality and further mal-development. The present study is prospective study of Role of Neuro-ultrasound in evaluation of intracranial pathologies in preterm neonates and infants abnormal neurological presentation conducted in our department. Total 100 preterm neonates were studied, In preterm neonates most common lesion noted was SEH/IVH (Incidence of SEH/IVH in present study was 26 %). Incidence of Grade-i hemorrhage is 34.6 %, Grade-2 hemorrhage is 30.7 %, Grade-3 hemorrhage is 15.3 % and Grade-4 hemorrhage is 19.2 %. Periventricular echogenicity was next common finding noted in preterm neonates in our study with incidence of PVE in present study is 3 %.