Utilization of ultrasound in the evaluation of spinal dysraphism in children.

Automated water path ultrasound scanning was used to examine 15 infants and children with suspected spinal dysraphism. The spinal abnormalities demonstrated by ultrasound included meningocele, myelomeningocele, and spinal lipoma. In addition, renal abnormalities (pyelocaliectasis and hydronephrosis) were seen in 5 patients. It is concluded that ultrasound examination of the neural axis should play an important role in evaluation of children with spinal dysraphism.