Role of Computed Tomography in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury and its Correlation with Glasgow Coma Scale at Presentation

Abstract

The study was aimed at documenting the relationship between Glasgow coma score with imaging findings on computed tomography in children with traumatic brain injury. Un-necessary radiation exposure can be detrimental in pediatric age group and can lead to an increased risk of radiation induced malignancies.

Patients and Methods:  This retrospective study was conducted in Department of Radiology Lahore from 15.8.11 to 15.11.11. It included 48 children who presented in emergency department with history of fall or trauma to head. These patients underwent computed tomography using standard imaging protocols. All the data was analyzed by using SPSS version 17.

Results:  A total of 48 patients from 6 months to 15 years of age with history of fall or trauma to head who underwent CT scan were included in study. 20 (42%) patients revealed normal study. Extra/intra axial bleed is noted in 11 (23%), evidence of cerebral edema was

noted in 4 (8%) patients. 9 (19%) patients had fracture of skull bones and cephalhematoma was noted among 4 (8%) patients. Imaging findings were seen in majority of the patients with GCS less than 13/15.

Conclusion:  Neuroimaging can serve as a useful guide regarding management of traumatic brain injury however un-necessary radiation exposure is detrimental in pediatric age group. A correlation between GCS and decision regarding imaging can serve as an effective approach to decrease rates of neuro imaging after pediatric head trauma.