Intraventricular hemorrhage.

Abstract

A review of the role of ultrasound imaging in the diagnosis and study of intraventricular hemorrhage is presented. The characteristics of both early and late scans of germinal matrix, intraventricular, and intraparenchymal hemorrhage, as well as periventricular leukomalacia, have been worked out over the past decade. There is good agreement between the images and pathologic findings. A system of classification that recognizes the importance of parenchymal lesions and their evolution is suggested. The ability to perform repeated ultrasound examinations of sick premature infants has allowed the gathering of important information about pathophysiology, natural history, and outcome. In turn, these studies allow better interpretation of ultrasound scans in the individual infant. Using sequential scans when parenchymal lesions are found improves prognostic information. Prevention of intraventricular hemorrhage is still a goal. However, judging from the experience at our institution it may be that the subtle application of principles demonstrated by the study of this problem with ultrasound imaging has already begun to prevent intraventricular hemorrhage in some patients.