Accuracy of Bedside Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Skull Fractures in Children Aged 0 to 4 Years.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of bedside ultrasound (US) performed by emergency physicians for diagnosing skull fractures in children 0 to 4 years old compared with the accuracy of head computed tomography (CT). We also sought to investigate characteristics and precautions associated with US.

METHODS: This single-center prospective study involved children 0 to 4 years old who had a history of head trauma. Bedside US was performed by emergency medicine physicians, and the results were compared with CT scan interpretations provided by attending radiologists. The accuracy of US for the diagnosis of skull fractures was calculated, and the errors were reviewed.

RESULTS: A total of 87 patients were enrolled. Skull fracture was present in 13 patients (14.9%), according to CT. Bedside US had a sensitivity and specificity of 76.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 46.0%-93.8%) and 100% (95% CI, 93.9%-100%), respectively. Overall positive predictive value was 100% (95% CI, 65.5%-100%), and negative predictive value was 96.1% (95% CI, 88.3%-99.0%). Three false-negative cases were observed.

CONCLUSIONS: Bedside US performed by emergency medicine physicians with short focused US training is a useful tool for diagnosing skull fractures in children 0 to 4 years of age. However, there were 3 false-negative cases. A meticulous examination is needed in the area adjacent to the orbital wall and skull base.