This study was intended to determine the level of the conus medullaris in normal babies. We examined 114 healthy infants using high resolution ultrasound which identified the spinal cord and the tip of the conus medullaris. This method provided a good analysis of the level of the conus medullaris so that we could assess the rate of ascent to L1/2. The range of the conus level for all children was at TH12/L1 interspace to L4.78% of babies aged between the 30th and 39th postmenstrual week had the tip of the conus medullaris between L2 and L4.84% of babies aged between the 40th and 63rd postmenstrual week had their conus level between TH12/L1 and L1/2 interspace. In one girl aged 53 weeks the tip was found at L4. Ultrasound is a reliable method to observe the development of the conus level in young infants and to identify a tethered cord.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-utero transmission of SARS-CoV-2 remains a rarity and only very few cases have been proven across the world. Here we depict the clinical, laboratory and radiologic findings of preterm triplets born at 28 6/7 weeks to a mother who contracted COVID-19 just 1 week before delivery. The triplets showed SARS-CoV-2 positivity right after birth, developed significant leukopenia and early-onset pulmonary interstitial emphysema. The most severely affected triplet I required 10 days of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation due to failure of conventional invasive ventilation, and circulatory support for 4 days. Despite a severe clinical course in two triplets (triplet I and II), clinical management without experimental, targeted antiviral drugs was successful. At discharge home, the triplets showed no signs of neurologic or pulmonary sequelae. Placental immunohistology with SARS-CoV-2 N-protein localized strongly to syncytiotrophoblast cells and, to a lesser extent, to fetal Hofbauer cells, proving intrauterine virus transmission. We discuss the role of maternal viremia as a potential risk factor for vertical transmission. To the best of our knowledge, our report presents the earliest unequivocally confirmed prenatal virus transmission in long-term surviving children, i.e., at the beginning of the third trimester.

In contrast to published data, this study shows that color Doppler and spectral Doppler of testicular arteries can be regularly performed even in small testes of less than 1 ml. Reference values for blood flow velocities and RI were found and should improve the diagnostic value of testicular ultrasound examinations in children.

Two cases of wooden foreign bodies in soft tissue found by ultrasound are described. Furthermore we proved the existence of a typical sonographic pattern of wood in muscle tissue.

Prenatally or postnatally diagnosed dilatation of the upper urinary tract initiates postnatal investigations, including sonography, dynamic renography (MAG 3) and optional voiding cystourethrography. The first ultrasound examination should be performed 3-5 days after birth and in urgent cases 10-12 h after delivery of the baby. Dynamic renography (MAG 3) is the standard diagnostic investigation and permits simultaneous assessment of renal perfusion and drainage. MRI combines excellent anatomical detail with functional information, without exposure to radiation but needs general anaesthesia in infants and younger children. Intravenous urography is no longer performed routinely in children with a dilated upper urinary tract. The combination of ultrasound and MAG 3 produces the necessary anatomical and functional information to follow the degree of obstruction and to decide between surgical intervention or a conservative follow-up.