An Infant with Progressive Paraparesis: A Point-of-care Ultrasound Case Report

Pediatric spinal tumors are rare, accounting for 10% of all central nervous system tumors, and can present with prolonged nonspecific symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosis; however, its availability may be limited. Here, we describe an infant whose spinal mass was initially identified using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), highlighting the potential role of POCUS as an early screening tool in the pediatric emergency setting. Images of the spine were acquired with a linear high-frequency probe on a Zonare z. 1 ultrasound in short and long axes along the length of the spine, with color Doppler imaging. We present a 5-month-old male infant with a 1-week history of progressive weakness, predominantly in the legs. Pediatric emergency department POCUS revealed a mass within the spinal cord, which expedited further diagnostic imaging via MRI. This case highlights the potential utility of POCUS as a diagnostic tool, emphasizing its role in early detection and intervention.