Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 2, Issue 11 499-504, Copyright © 1983 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Sonographic depiction of changes in ventricular size associated with repeated ventricular aspirations
A. C. Fleischer, A. L. Bundy, A. A. Hutchison, R. B. Cotton, G. A. Thieme, W. F. Meacham and A. E. James Jr
Serial real-time cranial sonography was performed on 11 preterm neonates
who had demonstrated progressive posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation and
were subjected to repeated ventricular aspirations. Changes in ventricular
size were correlated with gestational age, birth weight, and extent and
location of the intracranial hemorrhage, as well as the timing, frequency,
and location of the ventricular aspirations and the average amount of
cerebrospinal fluid removed. The sizes of both lateral ventricles of each
neonate were measured and the occurrence of sequelae related to repeated
ventricular aspiration was examined. Eleven ventricles diminished in size,
eight increased, and there was no change in three. Two neonates had
bleeding near the aspiration sites. It is concluded that repeated
aspiration can be associated with a diminution in ventricular size in some
neonates. It is recommended that alternative methods of treatment, such as
serial lumbar puncture or external ventriculostomy, be attempted prior to
initiating repeated ventricular aspirations.
