Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Neonatal Brain in Cases of Birth Asphyxia

Abstract

Introduction: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a common condition in newborns as a result of birth asphyxia. Affected neonates display a number of clinical features by which the condition may be suspected. Aim: To study the different varieties of gross anatomical defects of the neonatal brain in cases of HIE as seen by ultrasonography. Materials and Methods: Ultrasonography (USG) of the neonatal brain was done in 100 cases of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) during the first and second weeks of life, through anterior, posterior and mastoid fontanelles. The results were analysed to display the spectrum of abnormalities in the affected babies. Results: A large proportion of the neonates had a normal study (47%), followed by intracranial haemorrhage (24%), cerebral oedema and infarction (17%), dilatation of ventricles (5%), and others (7%). Conclusion: Intracranial haemorrhage is the commonest consequence of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. The large number of normal studies shows the need for combining ultrasonography with other imaging modalities in selected cases.

Keywords

• cerebral oedema
• fontanelle
• hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (hie)
• periventricular leukomalacia