Search

Everyday use of the modern imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, isotope, PET/CT decreased the reputation and importance of ultrasound. In some cases, ultrasound is only the first exploratory imaging method. Using the latest multi-slice CT, imaging can be performed in seconds, which led to a dramatic increase in the number of CT exams. However, this also means a significant radiation exposure to children, while US still harmless in this regard. In addition, significant progress has been made in ultrasound technology in recent years, which led an improvement in image quality. Children are ideal subjects for US examination as they usually have smaller weight with less body fat. Thus, ultrasound examination is easy to perform with a high frequency transducer resulting in much more detailed and higher resolution than in adults. With adequate equipment and experienced examiner in pediatric radiology, almost all parts of the body can be examined, making this technique as the first (sometimes together with X-ray) and, in most cases, the ultimate imaging exam for the diagnosis. This article will discuss the possibilities where ultrasound performed with a modern device is sufficient for an accurate diagnosis.

In this review a new interpretation of the origin of bony developmental malformations affecting the craniocervical junction and the cervical spine is presented based on recent advances in the understanding of embryonic development of the spine and its molecular genetic control. Radiographs, CT and MRI scans or CT myelograms of patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome were used for demonstration. Detailed clinical and radiological analysis of these patients was published earlier [David KM, Stevens JM, Thorogood P, Crockard HA. The dysmorphic cervical spine in Klippel-Feil syndrome: interpretations from developmental biology. Neurosurg Focus 1999;6(6):1.]. Homeotic transformation due to mutations or disturbed expression of Hox genes is a possible mechanism responsible for Cl assimilation. Notochordal defects and/or signalling problems, that result in reduced or impaired Pax-1 gene expression, may underlie vertebral fusions. This, together with asymmetrical distribution of paraxial mesoderm cells and a possible lack of communication across the embryonic mid-line, could cause the asymmetrical fusion patterns. The wide and flattened shape of the fused vertebral bodies, their resemblance to the embryonic cartilaginous vertebrae and the process of progressive bony fusion with age suggest that the fusions occur before or, at the latest, during chondrification of vertebrae. The authors suggest that the aforementioned mechanisms are likely to be, at least in part, responsible for the origin of the bony developmental malformations affecting the craniocervical junction and the cervical spine.