[Two-dimensional ultrasonic examination of the cerebral ventricles (parallel-scan) in newborns and infants (author's transl)].

Computer tomography of the head is now firmly established as an examination procedure in pediatric radiology. It is non-invasive, but on the other hand time-consuming and above all costly. Repeated follow-ups represent a level of radiation exposure which should not be underestimated. Two-dimensional sonography (B-scan) has extended the range of possibilities in intracranial diagnostics in neonates and infants, especially since the large fontanelle and the still-open cranial sutures were recognized as "acoustic windows". Five cases are presented, which show that the cranial cavity can be demonstrated reliably and reproducibly, in particular the lateral ventricles. Determining vascular pulsations (real-time) aids orientation and permits conclusions to be drawn regarding the intracranial circulation. Follow-ups can be carried out simply, without submitting the child to exposure stress, and permitting early identification of a developing hydrocephalus. The examination can be performed with standard commercially available parallel-scan units, such as are already used in many clinics for abdominal diagnosis.