Transcranial sonographic measurement of the third ventricle to detect hydrocephalus in children population: Correlation to computed tomography

Abstract

Background: In neuro-intensive care, transcranial temporal ultrasound is used in adults and children to monitor brain-injured patients. It is accepted as a valuable tool for exploring brain structures. Our study aims to establish a correlation between the measurement of the third ventricle (V3) by transcranial ultrasound via temporal window and a reference method, computed tomography (CT), which could validate the method for hydrocephalus detection in the children population. Design: This is a prospective double-blind study of 34 children under 15 years. Two consultants in intensive care performed the ultrasound while a radiologist performed the CT measurements. Results: Of the 34 patients included, the V3 could be measured in 88% of cases. Among these 30 patients, there is a good correlation between CT and ultrasound measurements with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.773. This correlation is more important as the diameter of the V3 increases. We could determine a threshold of 3.65 mm in diameter to identify hydrocephalus on ultrasound with a detection sensitivity of 100%, and a specificity of 94.1%. Conclusion: Measuring the diameter of the V3 by trans-cranial sonography remains a simple, reproducible, non-invasive tool and has a good correlation with reference examinations such as CT.