Caudothalamic groove: value in identification of germinal matrix hemorrhage by sonography in preterm neonates.

A prospective study of 25 consecutive premature infants under 1,500 g was undertaken to evaluate the frequency and sonographic appearance of subependymal germinal matrix hemorrhage. In all 12 sonographically positive cases, the hemorrhage was initially imaged in the area immediately anterior to the caudothalamic groove. Special attention to this area permits early detection of germinal matrix hemorrhage, and neurosonography of neonates should be considered incomplete unless this area has been thoroughly imaged.