MDCT Evaluation of Post-Operative Cranium: Spectrum of Normal Findings & Complications

Abstract

Imaging plays an essential role in the evaluation of patients after cranial surgery. Postoperative infection and hemorrhage are common complications after cranial surgeries. Life-threatening complications (like tension and paradoxical herniation) must be identified rapidly at imaging to secure a favorable prognosis. This cross-sectional study included 250 patients who underwent neurosurgical operations and were imaged for the developed postoperative complications using Computed Tomography(CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) with and without contrast. We reviewed the common normal and abnormal findings in post-operative neurosurgical patients. The expected postoperative CT and MRI appearances of these procedures are discussed, followed by complications. These include hemorrhage, tension , wound/soft tissue infection, bone flap infection and abscesses. Complications specifically related to include herniation, external brain , paradoxical herniation, and syndrome. In our study165 male; 58 % and 85 female; 42 % were included; age range (6months-69 years), mean age 34.7 ± 2.9 years. 130 patients underwent , infection (23%) was the most dominant complication followed by cranial hemorrhage (19 %). So to conclude;radiologist must know how to recognize postoperative complications and differentiate them from expected normal findings because an early and accurate diagnosis is important for proper postoperative care. tomography is fast, cost effective, and easily accessible for first-line imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging has higher sensitivity for detecting postoperative infection and ischemia.