Evaluation of the Head Multislice Computed Tomography Scan in Emergency Department

Abstract

SUMMARY -Th e aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of head injuries, acute stroke and brain tumors obtained from computed tomography (CT) scans in the emergency department (ED) during a one-year period. We also assessed the potential eff ect of seasons on the occurrence of stroke, head trauma and tumors found on CT scans, expressed in monthly intervals. Th is retrospective review included all patients that underwent emergency head CT from the hospital database. A total of 3888 head CT examinations were performed in adult patients presenting to ED and 1424 CT scans had at least one pathologic fi nding meeting diagnostic criteria for the study. Of the total number of CT scans analyzed, acute stroke was identifi ed in 552 (14.19%), head trauma in 660 (16.97%), and brain tumor in 212 (5.45%) patients. Head trauma was more commonly found in males (n=465, 70.45%) than in females (n=195, 29.54%). Acute stroke was slightly more common in males than in females. Brain tumors were more frequently found in female patients. Th ere were monthly variations in the number of head injuries and acute stroke diagnosed during the study period. Men and elderly patients were found to account for the greatest number of traumatic head injuries and therefore are at the highest risk of possible brain injury.

Does the Type of Surgery in Brain Abscess Patients Influence the Outcome? Analysis Based on the Propensity Score Method

“…Demographic data and symptoms of brain abscess present on admission to the hospital did not differ from other studies ( 4 , 7 , 9 , 20 - 26 ). The current study showed male predominance, which is consistent with current literature, since men are more prone to predisposing factors for brain abscess ( 4 , 7 , 9 , 20 - 27 ). However, the study did not find any correlation between gender and outcome.…”

“…When comparing outcomes in patients treated with standard craniotomy and stereotactic aspiration, several studies report on better outcome in patients treated with stereotactic aspiration and some report that there are no differences in the outcome regarding surgical strategies ( 1 , 3 - 5 , 7 - 9 , 12 , 14 - 18 , 21 , 25 - 27 ). Important characteristics that might influence the outcome and studies reporting such impact are presented in Table 7 .…”