Abstract

BACKGROUND
Computed tomography (CT) scans are frequently used in managing traumatic brain injuries in children.
OBJECTIVE
To assess incidental findings in children with head trauma undergoing CT scan and to describe any associated clinical ramifications.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Retrospective review of 524 children treated in 2 emergency departments for closed head injury who received a CT scan.
RESULTS
Overall, 137 (26.2%) patients had an incidental finding on CT scan. The most common incidental finding was sinus opacification with an air fluid level (115/137, 83.9%). Thirty-five interventions were reported in children with incidental findings. Children 2 years old or younger were more likely to receive a prescription for antibiotics (relative risk [RR] = 2.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-6.51) and be referred to a specialist (RR = 10.26, 95% CI = 3.56-29.56) than older children.
CONCLUSION
Incidental findings in minor head trauma are common. Clinicians should be prepared to address these findings if clinically indicated.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Ortega HW, Vander Velden H, Reid S

Institution

Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA. henry.ortega@childrensmn.org

Source

Clinical pediatrics 51:9 2012 Sep pg 872-6

MeSH

Adolescent
Brain Injuries
Child
Child, Preschool
Emergency Service, Hospital
Female
Head Injuries, Closed
Humans
Incidental Findings
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Male
Retrospective Studies
Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Pub Type(s)

Evaluation Studies
Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22718703