Multiplanar 3-dimensional neonatal neurosonography: initial experiences and potential benefits.

Neonatal neurosonography is commonly used to evaluate infants for the presence of intracranial hemorrhage, hyrdocephalus, congenital defects, and other abnormalities. The size and location of the fontanelles that are used as acoustic windows to view brain structure can impose limits on the conventional technique. A relatively recent advance in ultrasound imaging technology is multiplanar 3-dimensional ultrasound imaging (3D US). Ten neonates received 3D neurosonographic examinations in addition to their clinically indicated conventional examinations. Comparisons between the two techniques included assessment of the image acquisition process as well as the diagnostic value of the data obtained. Comparisons were made to computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging examinations when available. Compared to conventional neurosonography, the 3D US technique had several advantages including faster, easier, and more consistent data acquisition. Multiplanar 3D imaging also improved the ability to assess normal anatomy and pathology, and better correlated with other imaging modalities. Additional studies are necessary to determine the ultimate clinical utility of 3D neonatal neurosonography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]