[Skull injury in childhood: comparison of ultrasonography with conventional X-rays and computerized tomography].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of our study was to compare the value of ultrasound, conventional x-ray diagnosis and CT in detecting skull fractures and intracranial haemorrhage in children suffering from a head injury.


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 examination (n = 21) and CT (n = 13).


RESULTS
Ultrasound enabled diagnosis of linear calvarial fractures (n = 29), depressed fractures (n = 6) and 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 intracranial haemorrhage in 8 cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound as a primary method can replace the conventional x-ray in detecting calvarial fracture and posttraumatic sequelae. Additional CT examination depends on the sonographic and neurological status.
Steiner
S
S
Strahlenklinik und Poliklinik, Pädiatrische Radiologie, Virchow-Klinikum, Humboldt-Universität Berlin.
Riebel
T
T
Nazarenko
O
O
Bassir
C
C
Steger
W
W
Vogl
T
T
Felix
R
R
D000367:Age Factors; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006407:Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography
Schädeltrauma im Kindesalter: Vergleich der Sonographie mit konventionellen Röntgenaufnahmen und der Computertomographie.