Ultrasound examinations in infancy

Abdominal ultrasound screening

Infant transfontanel screening examines the brain substance by transfontanel ultrasonography. On this occasion we see the cerebral ventricles, the cerebral substance, vascular malformations, cystic malformations, asymptomatic hemorrhages. In infants with psychomotor retardation, this examination is particularly important.

Abdominal ultrasound screening

Through this screening we examine all the abdominal organs (kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder, liver, gallbladder, spleen, etc.). Thus we can detect possible congenital anomalies. In this sense, a special role is played by asymptomatic kidney malformations that are quite common in infants: hydronephrosis, ectopy, hypotrophy.

Hip ultrasound

In the case of the newborn, the hip is „immature”, which disappears by 6 weeks of age. It is recommended, ideally, that the ultrasound be performed between 6 and 8 weeks, but no later than 6 months of age. During the examination we can also detect dysplastic changes. Ultrasonographic investigation is safer and the diagnosis is more accurate than radiological examination. This investigation is essential in the case of infants who have a relevant family history regarding this pathology. The incidence of congenital coxo-femoral malformations in Europe is of 0.5-2 ‰, so out of 1000 children, 1.2 are born with congenital coxo-femoral dislocation. In 60% of cases it occurs on the left side, in Caucasians, 4 times more frequent in girls than in boys Even in cases where no abnormalities are detected on clinical examination, ultrasonography can detect variations that require treatment.

Cardiac ultrasound screening

With the help of the ultrasonographic examination of the heart, we learn about the structure and function of the heart, congenital or acquired cardiac malformations, atrial or ventricular septal defects, and the morphology and function of the valves. Fluid accumulations can be detected in the pericardial sac. The color Doppler ultrasound examination provides us with information about the speed and direction of blood flow through the heart. The evolution of diseases can also be followed without these examinations affecting the infant’s organs.