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Multiple Intracranial High Density Foci after Brain Parenchymal Catheterization
Tae-Min Choi1, Kyu Yong Cho1, Byung Chan Lim1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Kwangju Christian Hospital, Gwangju, Korea.
Korean Journal of Neurotrauma
|November 19, 2016
Summary
High attenuation foci on computed tomography (CT) scans after brain catheterization were identified as bone dust from the skull. Cleaning the surgical field and using alternative materials can prevent these findings.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans can reveal unexpected findings.
- High attenuation foci in the brain after procedures require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin and characteristics of small high attenuation foci observed on CT scans following brain parenchymal catheterization.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 381 patients undergoing brain catheterization between January 2011 and March 2015.
- Analysis of postoperative CT scans for newly developed high attenuation foci, noting location, Hounsfield Unit (HU) values, and time of appearance.
Main Results:
- Twenty-seven patients (7.1%) developed high attenuation foci post-procedure.
- Lesions were located in the parenchyma (33.3%), ventricle (18.5%), or both (48.1%), often within the catheter tract.
- Foci appeared after catheter removal, varying from 0 to 14 days post-procedure, and were identified as bone dust.
Conclusions:
- High attenuation foci observed on CT scans after brain catheterization are likely bone dust from the skull.
- While typically asymptomatic, preventive measures such as thorough cleaning of the surgical field and alternative burr hole sealing materials (e.g., Surgicel) are recommended.
