Microcephaly (small head) is clinically important only if there is concomitant micrencephaly (small brain). Extensive studies on patients in mental institutions have shown that there is close correlation among microcephaly, micrencephaly, and mental retardation when the head is more than three standard deviations below the norm. If the small head is less than two standard deviations below the norm, no strong correlation exists with eigher small brain or mental retardation. High-resolution ultrasound permits imaging of the fetal head in utero, allowing accurate evaluation of head size and detection of intracranial anomalies. The microcephalics detected in utero over a 2-year period form the basis of this series, showing close correlation with the known clinical data on children with microcephaly. An approach to ultrasound detection and evaluation of fetal microcephaly is proposed.

Ultrasonic evaluation of a soft tissue mass of the thigh was performed and suggested the diagnosis of myositis ossificans. Correlation with routine radiographic studies is made, as well as with the follow-up radiographic examination.

Ultrasound has been suggested as a lower risk alternative to mammography for detecting breast abnormalities. Mammograms and ultrasonograms of 32 women patients were compared, revealing three distinct ultrasonic parenchymal patterns which corresponded to previously reported mammographic patterns: fatty (N1), ductal (P1 or P2), and dysplastic (DY). These constitute a new system of parenchymal classification, to our knowledge.

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A new technique is described for delineating pelvic structures by using a distended bladder in combination with a water enema. The distended urinary bladder, which acts as a sonic window to the pelvis, fully defines only the portion of structures that abut against the surface. With fluid in both the bladder and rectosigmoid colon, and occasionally the cecum, a 'sandwich effect' can be obtained, resulting in a more complete definition of interposed structures. Questionable masses that might be feces in the bowel can be easily distinguished from significant pathology. This new technique has the potential for increasing accuracy of diagnosis of pelvic masses and delineating tumor extension of masses arising in such pelvic organs as the bladder, prostate, and uterus.