Evaluation of Craniocerebral Trauma by Computed Tomography

Abstract

Introduction: Craniocerebral trauma results in a substantial number of deaths and permanent disabilities around the world. Head injuries account a significant cause of death in younger age groups. Computed Tomography (CT) is a widely accessible, fast, effective and comparatively inexpensive imaging modality in assessing craniocerebral injuries. CT is now accepted as the investigation of choice in imaging of acute head trauma. Aim: To assess the role of CT in traumatic brain injuries in correlation with clinical status of patients (GCS). Materials and Methods: A total 100 cases with history of craniocerebral trauma undergoing CT scan within 24 hours of admission were selected. All the patients were subjected to CT for assessment of spectrum of primary craniocerebral injuries, followed by its association with severity of head injury with Glassgow Coma Scale (GCS) score as reference standard. CT was performed with high speed dual CT GE medical systems. Statistical analysis was performed by using Microsoft Excel 2013 and SPSS 20.0 software. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted. The t-test and Fisher’s-exact test was used for statistical correlation. Results: Mild head injury accounted for 26%, moderate head injury accounted for 27% and severe head injury accounted for 47%. Significant statistical association was found between severity of the head injury and spectrum of primary craniocerebral injuries on CT and GCS score. Significant association was noted between Cerebral oedema, Midline shift, Extradural Haemorrhage (EDH), Subdural Haemorrhage (SDH), Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (SAH), Contusions, Pneumocephalus, Diffuse axonal injury with severity of head injury and GCS score. No significant association was noted between gender with severity of head injury and GCS score. Conclusion: CT assessment of primary craniocerebral injuries in combination with clinical assessment of the patient using GCS as reference standard helps in deciding severity of the head injury thereby aids in planning treatment of the patient.

Keywords

• extradural haemorrhage
• glassgow coma scale score
• subarachnoid haemorrhage
• subdural haemorrhage
• traumatic brain injury