Ultrasonic determination of the size of cerebral ventricular system

Abstract

Based on 1172 ultrasonic echoencephalograms of the newborn, infant, and adult, a formula was derived from the satisfactory determination of the thickness of the white and gray matter of the hemisphere which thus enables one to diagnose an enlargement of the lateral ventricle. The echo from the lateral wall of the body of the ventricle should be medial to the midpoint between the midline and internal table echoes. The diagnosis of enlargement of the ventricular system was suspected in 89 patients, verified by air studies in 64 patients in 57 of which the echographic determination of the distance between the lateral ventricles and the internal table of the skull was confirmed. Seven echograms were misinterpreted. In 27 patients clinically suspected of ventricular enlargement, the echo-gram was negative as well as air studies and angiography. In 2 patients, not clinically suspected to have ventricular enlargement, the echo-gram established that diagnosis. Echoencephalography is a simple aid to the determination of the ventricular size.