Echographic demonstration of extracerebral fluid collections with the lateral technique.

The authors describe the technique of real-time sector scanning in the coronal plane through the side of the head to visualize the opposite cerebral convexity. This lateral technique utilizes the temporal squama and/or coronal suture as windows, and often requires the use of a 3.0-MHz transducer. Several cases illustrate extracerebral fluid or echogenic blood collections in which the lateral technique added useful information not shown by standard imaging through the anterior fontanelle. Four of the fluid collections were not visible with standard imaging techniques. The lateral technique appears to be a useful addition to the cranial echogram.