2023 ARRS ANNUAL MEETING - ABSTRACTS

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E2315. Imaging of the Posterior Fossa: Ultrasound Edition
Authors
  1. Arjun Patel; Vanderbilt University
  2. Asha Sarma; Vanderbilt University
  3. Sumit Pruthi; Vanderbilt University
  4. Elizabeth Snyder; Vanderbilt University
Background
As ultrasound has progressively improved in quality and diagnostic capabilities, it has become a first-line modality for assessment of the neonatal brain. Rapid acquisition and portability enabling bedside examination, along with ability to image without sedation or ionizing radiation are particular strengths of neonatal neurosonography. Furthermore, ultrasound may be useful in situations where MRI is not clinically feasible and can be used for serial follow-up as frequently as needed without radiation or sedation risk. Although neonatal head ultrasound is a commonly encountered examination in pediatric radiology, its interpretation may be challenging for radiology residents, who may be more familiar with CT and MRI as neuroimaging modalities. Additionally, residents early in their training may have limited knowledge of the normal anatomy of the posterior fossa, particularly on ultrasound.

Educational Goals / Teaching Points
This educational exhibit, targeted to radiology residents, will review the sonographic techniques utilized to image the posterior fossa, the normal embryology and anatomy of the posterior fossa, and imaging findings in common congenital anomalies as well as acquired posterior fossa abnormalities.

Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
Pathologic entities reviewed include Dandy-Walker malformation, Chiari II malformation, Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation, vermian hypoplasia, rhombencephalosynapsis, cerebellar parenchymal, extra-axial posterior fossa hemorrhage, transverse sinus thrombosis, and ischemic injury.

Conclusion
The characteristic sonographic findings associated with these conditions will be reviewed along with multimodality imaging examples of the each entity to help the radiology resident navigate complex posterior fossa abnormalities.