HEAD-INJURY IN CHILDHOOD - COMPARISON OF SONOGRAPHY WITH THE CONVENTIONAL X-RAY AND CT

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to compare the value of ultrasou nd, conventional x-ray diagnosis and CT in detecting skull fractures a nd intracranial haemorrhage in children suffering from a head injury. Material and methods: We examined 210 children who had a head injury. In all cases the calvarium was investigated by ultrasound using a 7.0 MHz linear transducer. In children with an open fontanel (n = 190) the cerebrum was screened additionally by ultrasound following a standard protocol. The sonographic findings were correlated to the x-ray exami nation (n = 21) and CT (n = 13). Results: Ultrasound enabled diagnosis of linear calvarial fractures (n = 29), depressed fratures (n = 6) an d intracranial haemorrhage (n = 8). X-Ray and CT examination confirmed the diagnosis of linear calvarial fractures in 16 cases, of depressed fractures in 6 cases. CT confirmed the sonographic diagnosis of intra cranial haemorrhage in 8 cases. Conclusion: Ultrasound as a primary me thod can replace the conventional x-ray in detecting calvarial fractur e and posttraumatic sequelae. Additional CT examination depends on the sonographic and neurological status.