Optimal timing for diagnostic cranial ultrasound in low-birth-weight infants: detection of intracranial hemorrhage and ventricular dilation.

Intracranial hemorrhage and posthemorrhagic ventricular dilation are common problems in small preterm infants. To determine the optimal timing for ultrasound diagnosis of these abnormalities, we studied 64 preterm infants (less than 1,500 gm) by sequential cranial ultrasonography from birth until one year of age or until death. The optimal timing for ultrasound diagnosis of intracranial hemorrhage is days 4 to 7 with follow-up at day 14. The most efficient time for ultrasound examination to diagnose ventricular dilation was day 14 with follow-up at 3 months. Intracranial hemorrhage was diagnosed by ultrasound in 35 of the 64 patients (55%). In 18 of the 64 infants (28%) significant ventricular dilation was diagnosed by ultrasound during the first three months.