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CT evaluation of intracranial subdural haematoma: an Accra experience
M O Obajimi1, K B Jumah, M Iddrisu
1Department of Radiology, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana.
Insights
Computed Tomography (CT) effectively diagnoses intracranial subdural hematomas (SDH) in Accra. This study analyzed 50 cases, finding trauma as the main cause and acute hematomas most common.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Intracranial subdural hematoma (SDH) is a significant neurological condition.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management.
- Computed Tomography (CT) is a primary imaging modality for evaluating head injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the Computed Tomographic (CT) findings in patients with intracranial subdural hematoma (SDH).
- To analyze the characteristics and common presentations of SDH on CT scans in a Ghanaian population.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of CT findings in 50 consecutive cases of intracranial subdural hematoma.
- Classification of SDH based on CT density (hyperdense, isodense, hypodense).
- Evaluation of associated CT features such as ventricular alteration and sulcal effacement.
Main Results:
- Trauma was the most frequent etiological factor.
- Hyperdense (acute) subdural hematoma was the commonest type (56%).
- Ventricular alteration (62%) and concave haematoma borders (76%) were frequently observed CT features. SDH predominantly occurred on the left side (52%).
Conclusions:
- CT is an appropriate and valuable diagnostic tool for the clinical evaluation of intracranial subdural hematoma.
- CT findings can aid in classifying SDH subtypes and identifying associated complications.
Abstract:
This is a descriptive analysis of the Computed Tomographic (CT) findings in 50 cases of intracranial subdural haematoma in Accra. The majority of patients were adults, though no age group was immune. The frequent aetiological factor in the series was trauma. Other remote causes such as meningitis and sickle cell disease were reported. The male to female ratio was 2.6:1, while the mean age was 32.4 years. Subdural Haematoma (SDH) was classified into various subtypes by their CT densities. The commonest type, the hyperdense or acute haematoma was reported in 56% of the patients. CT features noted in the series, include ventricular alteration, seen in 31 (62%) and were more often noted in the acute and isodense bleeds. Ipsilateral effacement of cerebral sulci was observed in only 10% of cases. Concave haematoma borders were reported in 76%. SDH were more often found on the left aspect of the cranium (52%), particularly in the frontal and pariental lobes. Evacuated surgery was done in only 9 of the series, where haematoma was demonstrated in more than 3 tomographic slices. Flake-like calcifications were found in three cases of long standing haematoma. Against the above background CT can be described as an appropriate diagnostic tool in clinical evaluation of SDH.
