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Academia Mexicana de Neurología, A.C.

2011, Number 6

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Rev Mex Neuroci 2011; 12 (6)

Use and abuse of head computed tomography in ambulatory pediatric neurology

Motta RGA, Jiménez-Parra JL, Limas-Santos NI, Álvarez FNH, Solís VMC

Language: Spanish
References: 21
Page: 358-364
PDF size: 184.74 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Introduction: Although the risks associated with radiation exposure during imagenological studies are considered low in modern times, their use is justified only when it is expected to obtain useful information for decision-making. Objective: To describe the most frequent indications for head computed tomography (CT) in pediatric patients. Methods: Head CT studies and their indications performed from January 2008 and March 2010 in the Department of Radiology of the Unit of Medical Specialties of the Ministry of National Defense were reviewed. Results: A total of 668 head CT studies performed to pediatric patients (age range: 1 month to 18 years) were reviewed: 403 (60.3%) boys and 265 (39.7%) girls. The most frequent indications for head CT were study of headache (39.1%), seizures/epilepsy (32.2%), investigation of structural abnormalities (13.9%), neurodevelopmental retardation (10%) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (4.9%). Only 5% of the head CT studies were abnormal. Conclusion: A minority of the patients of this study had an abnormal head CT study with findings potentially changing the decision-making process.


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