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Evaluation of computed tomograms in paediatric head trauma
S Magu1, D S Mishra, S B Gandhi
1Department of Radiology, Pt BD Sharma Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|May 28, 1998
Insights
Computed tomograms revealed generalized brain swelling and falx sign in most pediatric head trauma patients. High mortality was linked to severe traumatic brain injury, indicated by a low Glasgow Coma Scale score.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Head trauma is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children.
- Computed tomography (CT) is a crucial diagnostic tool for evaluating pediatric head injuries.
- Understanding common CT findings is essential for prognostication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the common findings on computed tomograms (CTs) in pediatric patients with head trauma.
- To correlate CT findings with patient outcomes, including mortality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of computed tomograms from 107 pediatric patients with head trauma.
- Evaluation of common imaging findings such as generalized brain swelling and falx sign.
- Correlation of imaging findings with clinical data, including Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores and mortality.
Main Results:
- Generalized brain swelling and falx sign were the most frequent CT findings, each observed in 44% of patients.
- The overall mortality rate was 16.8%.
- All but one mortality occurred in patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score between 3 and 7, indicating severe injury.
Conclusions:
- Generalized brain swelling and falx sign are highly prevalent in pediatric head trauma.
- Severe traumatic brain injury, as indicated by a low GCS score, is strongly associated with mortality in this population.
- CT imaging plays a vital role in identifying critical findings and informing prognosis in pediatric head trauma.
Abstract:
Computed tomograms of 107 patients of head trauma in the paediatric age group were evaluated. Generalised brain swelling (44%) and falx sign (44%) were the commonest findings observed in the computed tomograms. The overall mortality was 16.8% of which all except one were those with Glasgow coma scale between 3 and 7.