Transcranial Ultrasound in Evaluation of Brain Insults in High-Risk Neonates
Abstract: Background: Brain injury in high-risk neonates is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Early detection of intracranial abnormalities is essential for timely intervention. Transcranial ultrasound (TCUS) is a bedside, non-invasive, radiation-free imaging modality widely used for neonatal neuroimaging. Objectives: To evaluate the role of transcranial ultrasound in the detection and characterization of brain insults in high-risk neonates and to identify clinical and perinatal predictors of abnormal neurosonographic findings. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital that included 100 high-risk neonates admitted to the NICU. All infants underwent transcranial ultrasound through the anterior fontanelle using a standardized imaging protocol. Clinical, demographic, and neurosonographic data were analyzed. Associations between ultrasound findings, gestational age, birth weight, clinical manifestations, and final diagnoses were assessed using chi-square tests, Cramer's V, and multivariable logistic regression. Results: The mean gestational age was 34.81 ± 4.40 weeks and mean birth weight was 2.26 ± 0.70 kg. Abnormal ultrasound findings were detected in 32% of neonates. Ventriculomegaly was present in 12%, periventricular echogenicity in 14%, ventriculitis in 7%, and germinal matrix hemorrhage in 3%. The most common diagnoses were periventricular leukomalacia (8%), hydrocephalus (7%), meningitis (6%), hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (5%), and germinal matrix hemorrhage (3%). Significant associations were observed between gestational age and ventriculomegaly (p=0.014), gestational age and periventricular echogenicity (p
Keywords: Transcranial ultrasound, High-risk neonates, Neurosonography, Prematurity, Low birth weight, Ventriculomegaly Hydrocephalus, Neonatal brain injury
How to Cite?: Dr. Ayush Soni, Dr. Amlendu Nagar, "Transcranial Ultrasound in Evaluation of Brain Insults in High-Risk Neonates", Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1530-1536, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26815141320, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26815141320