Estado del Arte craneal imágenes por ultrasonido en neonatos
Summary
Cranial ultrasound (CUS) is a valuable tool for brain imaging in critically ill neonates. This video shows a comprehensive approach for neonatal (Doppler) CUS for both clinical and research purposes, including a bedside demonstration of the technique.
Abstract
Cranial ultrasound (CUS) is a reputable tool for brain imaging in critically ill neonates. It is safe, relatively cheap and easy to use, even when a patient is unstable. In addition it is radiation-free and allows serial imaging. CUS possibilities have steadily expanded. However, in many neonatal intensive care units, these possibilities are not optimally used. We present a comprehensive approach for neonatal CUS, focusing on optimal settings, different probes, multiple acoustic windows and Doppler techniques. This approach is suited for both routine clinical practice and research purposes. In a live demonstration, we show how this technique is performed in the neonatal intensive care unit. Using optimal settings and probes allows for better imaging quality and improves the diagnostic value of CUS in experienced hands. Traditionally, images are obtained through the anterior fontanel. Use of supplemental acoustic windows (lambdoid, mastoid, and lateral fontanels) improves detection of brain injury. Adding Doppler studies allows screening of patency of large intracranial arteries and veins. Flow velocities and indices can be obtained. Doppler CUS offers the possibility of detecting cerebral sinovenous thrombosis at an early stage, creating a window for therapeutic intervention prior to thrombosis-induced tissue damage. Equipment, data storage and safety aspects are also addressed.
Introduction
Since its clinical introduction in the late 1970’s cranial ultrasound (CUS) has been widely used for detecting congenital anomalies and acquired brain lesions during the neonatal period. In many neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), CUS has become indispensable in the care for critically ill neonates. Major advantages are its relatively low cost and the fact that it can be performed at bedside, even when a patient is unstable. In addition it is radiation-free and allows for serial imaging. Another technique often used for neuroimaging in critically ill neonates is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI provides excellent image quality, but its clinical use in NICU’s is currently limited because of logistic and safety issues1.
Over time, quality of CUS has drastically improved, with advancing technique leading to higher resolution, faster image processing and digital display and back-up. Important brain structures can be adequately visualized using optimal settings. Traditionally, images are obtained through the anterior fontanel. This approach is less suitable for evaluation of infratentorial structures because they are located far away from the transducer and the highly echoic tentorium impedes their assessment. Use of high-frequency linear transducers through alternative acoustic windows and adapted settings also provides access to these brain regions. Examples of these supplemental acoustic windows are the lambdoid (posterior), mastoid and lateral (temporal) fontanels. So far, however, only few NICUs use these additional acoustic windows routinely2-5. Doppler techniques can be used for screening patency of intracranial vessels. Flow velocities and indices in cerebral arteries can also be obtained. Some manufacturers now provide hardware to visualize flow around 2 cm/sec (Raets, et al., unpublished data). Small vessels are well displayed: medullary trunks and channels, subependymal veins tributing to the thalamostriate veins, and perforator arteries.
We present our approach of neonatal CUS, focusing on the use of different transducers, multiple acoustic windows and Doppler techniques. Neonatologists and radiologists use this approach in daily clinical practice but is also suitable for research purposes. In the practical part of the video we demonstrate bedside use in the NICU.
Protocol
Representative Results
Discussion
Describimos y demostrar un enfoque estado-of-the-art para CUS Doppler neonatal. En manos expertas, esta es una excelente herramienta para, junto a la cama de serie de imágenes del cerebro neonatal seguro. En muchas UCIN no se utilizan de forma óptima las posibilidades descritas. Adición de estudios Doppler permite la detección de la permeabilidad de las arterias intracraneales y las venas. Las velocidades de flujo pueden ser evaluados y los índices obtenidos. Doppler CUS permite la detección de trombosis seno-veno…
Divulgations
The authors have nothing to disclose.
Acknowledgements
We thank the nurses (appearing on film) for supporting the neonates.
We thank J. Hagoort, MA, linguist, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, for reading and correcting the manuscript.
Materials
| Name of Material/ Equipment | Company | Catalog Number | Comments/Description |
| MyLab 70 | Esaote (Genoa, Italy) | Ultrasound system |
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