Diagnosing and Treating Children with Ultrasound

Pediatric Ultrasound

With the ultrasound, we can examine the brain within the skull through the fontanelle while it is still open to examine the ventricles, the structure of  the brain and look for possible injury, bleeding and lack of oxygen.  We look for possible developmental problems, variations such as corpus callosum agenesia (ACC) a disorder in which the band of white matter connecting the two hemispheres in the brain is missing. 

We use the abdominal ultrasound to examine the organs: the liver, spleen, kidneys, intestines and reproductive organs looking for developmental disorders.  The most prevalent disorders occur in the kidneys since, during their development in the womb, their journey is the longest before settling in their appropriate place.    

We look for weakness and dislocation when examining the hips since it is very important that the hip joints be healthy for standing and walking.  Not to mention, that the later development of the spine is greatly influenced by the condition of the hip.

Wrist ultrasound is used for bone age assessment.  This is a painless method for determining bone maturity, to see that the bones are maturing undisturbed.  This examination can be repeated at any time without negative effects or pain.

The size and structure of the thyroid is examined to check for possible hormone disorders since these are very prevalent in many families and towns due to lack of iodine.   

The reproductive organs are examined for possible developmental disorders.  We believe this to be of special importance, especially in the case of boys, to ensure reproduction in the future.  Girls undergo the same examination with the addition of breast examination.   

Other examinations may also be requested by the child’s pediatrician or the parents, in which case, we would consult with the pediatrician to determine its necessity.