Neonatal Cranial Ultrasonography

Cranial ultrasonography is the most accessible, patient friendly, and cheapest neuroimaging technique on the neonatal ward. It provides important information on brain maturation in the (preterm) neonate and enables the detection of frequently occurring brain anomalies in both preterm and full term neonates. Furthermore, it can be repeated as often as is necessary.

In this second edition of Neonatal Cranial Ultrasonography, the focus is on the basics of the technique, from patient preparation through to screening strategies and the classification of abnormalities. Many new ultrasound images have been included to reflect the improvements in image quality since the first edition. Essential information is provided about both the procedure itself and the normal ultrasound anatomy. Standard technique using the anterior fontanelle as the acoustic window is described and illustrated, but emphasis is also placed on the value of supplementary acoustic windows. The compact design of the book makes it an ideal and handy reference that will guide the novice but also provide useful information for the more experienced practitioner.

Zusammenfassung
Despite advances in neonatal care, neonatal cerebral injury remains a major cause of morbidity, mortality and disabilities. Cranial ultrasonography provides information on brain maturation in the (preterm) neonate and enables detection of frequently occurring brain anomalies in this patient group. It can be repeated when necessary. After the introduction of neonatal MRI, cranial ultrasonography has been relatively neglected. While modern textbooks are available on pathological conditions of the neonatal brain, a recent book showing high quality normal ultrasound images is lacking. The current book deals with the basics of neonatal cranial ultrasonography and can be used as a reference-book providing essential information about the procedure and normal ultrasound anatomy.

Inhalt
The Cranial Ultrasound Procedure.- Cranial Ultrasonography: Advantages and Aims.- Cranial Ultrasonography: Technical Aspects.- Performing Cranial Ultrasound Examinations.- Assessing Cranial Ultrasound Examinations.- Timing of Ultrasound Examinations.- Classification of Peri- and Intraventricular Haemorrhage, Periventricular Leukomalacia, and White Matter Echogenicity.- Limitations of Cranial Ultrasonography and Recommendations for MRI.- Maturational Changes of the Neonatal Brain.- Summary.- Further Reading.- Ultrasound Anatomy of the Neonatal Brain.- Coronal Planes.- Sagittal Planes.- Posterior Fontanel.- Temporal Window.- Mastoid Fontanel.