Introduction: Central nervous system (CNS) anomalies are the second most frequent serious congenital anomaly, after congenital heart disease. There is significant variation in incidences of congenital CNS anomalies in different regions of world including Europe. In the neonatal period cranial US can be used as the initial modality to exclude a major structural malformation.
Aim of the study: To study the role of cranial ultrasound in early detection of congenital brain anomalies in high risk neonates.
Patients and Methods: this descriptive study was conducted on 100 neonates from Al Azhar university hospitals. During the period from November 2019 to May 2020, by simple random method then strictly evaluated clinically and laboratory and subjected to cranial ultrasound.
Results: The incidence of cranial ultrasound abnormalities in high-risk neonates is 9% in the present study. There were 57% of male and 43% of female neonates, 34% preterm and 66% term high-risk neonates enrolled in the study, The abnormalities included the following: Complete agenesis of corpus callosum (2neonates), Partial agenesis of corpus callosum (2 neonate), Hydrocephalus (2neonates), Ventriculomegaly (1neonate), Dandy walker malformation (1neonate), Cerebellar hypoplasia (1 neonate), There was no significant correlation of incidence of abnormal cranial ultrasound findings in male and female, days of life, mode of delivery, maternal age or consanguinity, Correlation of dysmorphic features, abnormal neurological signs, non-gestational DM and lack of intake of folic acid in the 1st trimester with cranial ultrasound findings were statistically significant.
Conclusion: Tran's anterior fontanelle Sonography is useful, safe, simple bedside method of diagnosis of congenital brain malformations and does not need to transfer a patient who may be critically ill. Dysmorphic features, non-gestational DM and neonatal convulsion are associated with increased risk of congenital brain anomalies.