Incidental sonographic diagnosis of neonatal carotid occlusion.

Cranial ultrasonography including colour Doppler can detect neonatal carotid flow problems at an early stage, even before symptoms occur. Different pathogeneses can be identified. The condition is more frequent than previously reported. If the circle of Willis is fully developed, this can prevent brain injury even in case of total carotid flow obstructionScreening of the carotid artery in critically ill neonates may detect complications of treatment at an early stage.