Comparison of gray-scale ultrasonography and computed tomography in the evaluation of macrocrania in infants.

Head scans in 27 infants were done to compare the value of ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of macrocrania and encephalocele. Ultrasonography and CT correlated well with regard to anatomical information, especially in the assessment of the lateral and third ventricles. However, unlike CT, ultrasonography uses no ionizing radiation, is less expensive, eliminates sedation, and reduces artifacts due to motion and metal clips. In conjunction with an initial CT examination, ultrasonography is useful for serial evaluation of the lateral and third ventricles. It can also be helpful in assessing extraventricular fluid collections and suspected encephaloceles.