Imaging the infant with a head injury: a single-centre retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Trauma
• Neuroimaging in Infants
• Head Injury Management

Background:

• Head injury is the leading cause of mortality in pediatric trauma.
• Infants under one year are particularly vulnerable to head injuries, including non-accidental trauma.
• Current guidelines for CT head imaging in infants with head injury are complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the findings of CT head scans in infants presenting with head injuries.
• To evaluate the diagnostic yield of CT scans in this high-risk population.
• To inform the complex decision-making process regarding CT imaging in infants with head trauma.

Main Methods:

• A single-center retrospective study was conducted.
• Data were collected over a 48-month period from infants (<1 year old) presenting with head injury.
• 1127 infants presented with head injury, and 135 CT head scans were performed.

Main Results:

• Of the 135 CT head scans performed, 38% showed intracranial pathology.
• This indicates a significant proportion of infants with head injuries have findings on CT.
• The findings underscore the challenge in balancing radiation exposure with the need for diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• CT head scans reveal intracranial pathology in a substantial percentage of infants with head injuries.
• The decision to perform CT scans in infants requires careful consideration due to potential radiation exposure.
• Further research may be needed to refine imaging protocols for pediatric head trauma.