The Role of Transcranial Duplex versus MRI in the diagnosis of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Abstract

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic injury is associated with many risk factors. Antepartum associations include maternal hypotension, infertility treatment, and thyroid disease. Intrapartum associations include forceps delivery, breech extraction, cord prolapse, abruptio placentae, and maternal fever. Postpartum risks include severe respiratory distress, sepsis, and shock. The role of Ultrasound: 1) Ultrasound is an efficient screening modality. 2) Color and gated Doppler can be used to gain insight on brain perfusion and allow close monitoring of cerebral hemodynamic properties. 3) Ultrasound also offers a much more convenient method for follow up of patients in a setting of acute and critical care. 4) Some studies have used Doppler indices in the prediction of long term neurological outcome. The role of MRI: 1) MRI is an indispensible and conclusive evaluation modality on account of its superior sensitivity and pathology discriminating techniques.