Patterns of head computerized tomographic scan findings in patients with head injury at Moi teaching and referral hospital

Abstract

Background It is estimated that about 10 million people are affected annually by head injury worldwide. It remains one of the most common reasons for seeking medical attention after injury. Most reports worldwide show that the main causes of head injury are road traffic accidents, falls, and assaults. CT scanning has become the mainstay in the diagnostic work-up and the Patterns of CT findings in head injury vary depending on cause and nature of injury. Data in developing countries is scarce and thus the need to undertake more studies to establish the patterns of head CT Scan findings in head injuries. Objectives To describe the patterns of Head CT Scan findings in patients with head injury. Study Setting Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Radiology and Imaging Department. Design The study was a cross-sectional survey. Study population Patients with head injury who underwent head CT scan at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. Methods The study involved patients with head injury, seen at MTRH and underwent head CT scan. The study was for a period of 8 months from October 2011 to June 2012. Analysis involved the variables patterns, age, sex and cause of head injury and their correlations. Results A total of 275 patients were seen during the study period. The mean age was 32.91years with SD of 18.43 years. Majority had mild head injury (52.73%) and were mostly young adults (21-40 years). Males were 240 (87.3%) and females 35 (12.7%). The commonest causes were assault 41.5%, motor vehicle accident 29.5%, Falls 12.7% and motor cycle injuries 12.4%. Abnormal CT Findings were seen in 200 cases (72.7%) and normal CT in 75 (27.3%). The most common abnormal CT findings were Intracerebral bleed 18.5%, extradural hematoma 12.4%, and depressed skull fracture 20.7%. The Elderly and very young had more severe injuries. Conclusion Intracranial hematomas were the leading CT Findings. Assault and motor vehicle injuries were the leading causes. CT Scan provides an accurate non-invasive diagnostic modality, gives detailed pathological findings and facilitates therapeutic management