Emerging Role of cranial ultrasound assessment in the Diagnosis of congenital heart defects

Carlos Flores; P. Rodriguez; P. Fernandez

doi:10.5281/zenodo.22814795

Authors

Carlos Flores Division of Neonatology, Murray Institute of Pediatric Research Author https://orcid.org/7244-2098-7628-138X
P. Rodriguez Division of Neonatology, Clyde Academy of Pediatric Research Author https://orcid.org/9773-0008-7159-8779
P. Fernandez Division of Neonatology, Parana Institute of Neonatology Author https://orcid.org/1655-5912-5726-0032

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22814795

Keywords:

cranial ultrasound, congenital heart defects, neonatal neuroimaging, brain injury, magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Graphical abstract

Background: Neonates with congenital heart defects (CHD) face central nervous system injury and dysmaturity beginning before birth and continuing across the perioperative period, making neurological surveillance an important complement to cardiac management [3,4].

Objective: This review examines cranial ultrasound as a bedside screening tool for CNS anomalies and complications in CHD neonates, its performance relative to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and its place in a broader surveillance strategy.

Methods: We synthesized cohort studies, comparative imaging studies, and reviews addressing cranial ultrasound, brain MRI, and neurodevelopmental outcome in fetuses and neonates with congenital heart defects.

Findings: Cranial ultrasound reliably detects hemorrhage and ventriculomegaly but under-detects the diffuse white matter and subtle cortical injury dominating CHD-associated brain injury [20,21]; circulatory arrest, impaired autoregulation, and preoperative brain immaturity each contribute to this burden [7,23].

Conclusions: Cranial ultrasound remains a valuable first-line, repeatable bedside tool for CNS surveillance in CHD neonates and should anchor a layered strategy adding MRI selectively when it would change management [11,32].

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