Detecting Traumatic Brain Lesions in Children: CT versus MRI versus Susceptibility Weighted Imaging (SWI)

• DOI: 10.1089/neu.2010.1712
• Publication Date: 2011-04-18T19:29:17Z
• Authors: Miriam H. Beauchamp; Michael Ditchfield; Franz E. Babl; Michael Kean; Cathy Catroppa; Keith O. Yeates; Vicki Anderson
• Keywords: Susceptibility Weighted Imaging; Coma (optics)

Cranial CT scans are at the center of decision making in brain injuries children because their speed and ability to detect surgically relevant lesions. However, alternative techniques, such as conventional MRI may have advantages terms radiation exposure sensitivity injury. Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), a relatively novel sequence, shows promise its detecting hemorrhagic lesions; however, clinical potential remains uncertain. In this observational study (5–16 years age) with traumatic injury (TBI) tertiary pediatric emergency department (ED) we compared lesions on acute MRI/SWI ∼5 weeks post-injury based presence or absence, extent, type We analyzed results 76 patients (53 male) after TBI (mean age 10.24±2.50 years, range 5.75–14.67 years). Glasgow Coma Score was 13–15 54 (71%), 9–12 13 (17%) <8 9 (12%). CTs were completed ED; SWI mean 36.11±15.75 days post-injury. Detection any occurred scan 68%, 54%, 86% cases, detected additional 30% time MRI. be more sensitive than This important for ongoing management TBIs prognosis.