Spinal Ultrasound: A Safe and Valuable, but Underutilized Imaging Modality to Evaluate Epidural Hematomas in Infants

Julliet C Ogu; Ebubechi Adindu; Jenifer Ogu

doi:10.5005/jp-journals-11002-0059

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Spinal Ultrasound: A Safe and Valuable, but Underutilized Imaging Modality to Evaluate Epidural Hematomas in Infants

Julliet C Ogu, Ebubechi Adindu, Jenifer Ogu

Keywords : Accessibility, Accuracy, Anticoagulation, Antiplatelet therapy, Blood dyscrasias, Cauda equina nerve roots, Coagulopathies, Conus medullaris, Cost-effectiveness, Cost-effective, Epidural anesthesia, Evaluation, Hyperechogenic epidural fat, Hypoechogenic filar cyst, Infant, Imaging, Lumbar puncture, Newborn, Neonate, Neoplasms, Pediatrics, Pregnancy, Spinal hematoma, Spinal epidural hematomas, Epidural venous plexus, Spinal surgery, Spinal ultrasound, Thrombocytopenia, Time-efficient, Trauma, Tubular epidural fluid, Vascular malformations

Citation Information : Ogu JC, Adindu E, Ogu J. Spinal Ultrasound: A Safe and Valuable, but Underutilized Imaging Modality to Evaluate Epidural Hematomas in Infants. 2023; 2 (2):173-178.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11002-0059

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 05-07-2023

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Abstract

This paper aims to highlight the utility of spinal ultrasound as a valuable and safe diagnostic tool for spinal epidural hematomas in neonates and young infants. The accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and accuracy of spinal ultrasound make it an appealing alternative to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, despite its potential benefits, spinal ultrasound remains underutilized in clinical practice. In this paper, we present a case study where spinal ultrasound successfully diagnosed a spinal epidural hematoma in a neonate. Additionally, a comprehensive review of current literature demonstrates a consensus on the advantages of spinal ultrasound for assessing spinal lesions in young infants and neonates. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of incorporating spinal ultrasound into clinical practice for more timely and convenient diagnosis of suspected spinal epidural hematoma in neonates and young infants.

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