Computed Tomography of the Brain Prior to Lumber Puncture in Children with Suspected Meningitis in Duhok – Iraq
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.main##
Abstract
Objective: the aim of this study was to determine the role of brain CT scan in children presented with symptoms and sings of suspected meningitis.
Method: A prospective study conducted at Heeve Pediatric Teaching Hospital, during the period from 1-1-2019 to 1-12-2021.Children from the age of 18 months to 14 years with suspected meningitis who attending this hospital, lumber puncture was done for all of them and CT scan of the brain for 110 cases prior lumber puncture.
Results: A total of 120 patients were attending Heeve Pediatric Teaching Hospital with suspected meningitis and their age was between 18 months-14 yeas. Lumber puncture was done for all of them and CT scan of the brain prior to lumber puncture was done for 110 cases. CT scan was reported normal in 96 patients, however cerebral edema was found 6 cases, cerebral infarction in 2 cases ,4 cases with ventricular dilatation and 2cases with intracranial bleeding No complications were reported after lumber puncture.
Conclusion: Computed Tomography of the brain may have a beneficial role in children with acute meningitis. Reported abnormalities in head CT scan were low. Further studies are required to use the CT scan as routine investigation for acute meningitis in children