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A prospective study was made of 94 real-time sonographic sector scans of 56 neonates in a 6 month period. The examinations were performed using the anterior fontanelle as an acoustic window. In 17 cases, computed tomography (CT) head scans were available for comparison. In no case did the CT and sonographic examination disagree as to the size of the lateral ventricles. Abnormalities detected by sonography include ventriculomegaly, intracerebral hematomas, a congenital glioma, and several cystic lesions. Sonographic sector scanning produces excellent, detailed images of dilated lateral and third ventricles, uses no ionizing radiation, is less expensive than CT, and can be performed in the isolette, minimizing the risk of hypoxia and hypothermia. At Methodist Hospital Graduate Medical Center, sonography has replaced CT as the initial method of investigation of ventricular size. CT plays a complementary role in the evaluation of the posterior fossa, intracranial hemorrhage, and mass lesions.

A case in which appendiceal intussusception was diagnosed preoperatively by sonography is described. The sonographic finding of multiple concentric hypoechoic and hyperechoic rings was confirmed at laparotomy to be due to appendiceal intussusception. Demonstration of the sonographic coiled spring sign in the right lower quadrant should raise the possibility of appendiceal intussusception. The differential diagnosis is discussed.

Ultrasound guided drainage has been reported as a highly successful drainage procedure. Computed tomography (CT) and fluoroscopy also have been cited as favorable imaging modalities for the treatment of pleural effusion. With its extreme sensitivity to fluid collections and rapid and accurate localization of fluid, real-time ultrasound has become the primary imaging modality for the interventional drainage of pleural fluid. This is a retrospective study of patients with radiographically suspected pleural effusion, using ultrasonic scanning for possible drainage. A special bedside drainage technique in critically ill patients also is described.

Real-time sonographic findings in 20 infants with bacterial meningitis are reported. The spectrum of features included normal scans, ventricular enlargement, focal areas of increased cortical echogenicity, ventricular bands, and cerebral abscess. Areas of increased cortical echogenicity on sonography representing meningoencephalitis corresponded to areas of contrast enhancement seen on computed tomography (CT). Excellent correlation was found between CT and sonography. Because of the advantage of obtaining sonographic scans at the bedside, it appears that sonography offers an attractive alternative to CT in the evaluation of infantile meningitis and meningoencephalitis.