Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of fetal intracranial hemorrhage, predisposing factors and pathogenic mechanisms

E. Bratila, G. Sardescu, C. Berceanu, M. Cirstoiu, S. Vladareanu, O. Munteanu, D. Comandasu

Rezumat: The aim of this paper is to present the importance of ultransonography in diagnosing antenatal intracranial hemorrhage. The obstetrician and the fetal ultrasound specialist must be aware of the predisposing factors, pathogenic mechanisms and suggestive imaging in diagnosing intracranial fetal hemorrhage given the fact that neonatal neurologic sequelae are associated and have potential forensic implications. Intracranial hemorrhage can occur spontaneously antenatal or determined by a number of maternal or fetal factors. Early ultrasound signs of intracranial hemorrhage are represented by the occurrence of localized hyperechogenic areas situated intraventricular, periventricular, intraparenchymal or intracerebelar. Acute hemorrhage phenomena can be associated with signs of fetal distress or changes in the fetal heart rate. Because most newborns with intracranial hemorrhage are initially asymptomatic at birth, prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of hemorrhagic lesions is very important in order to draw attention on close monitoring with transfontanellar ultrasonography and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) immediately after birth.
Cuvinte cheie: antenatal intracranial hemorrhage, MRI, neurosonography