A rapid noninvasive method of detecting elevated intracranial pressure using bedside ocular ultrasound: application to 3 cases of head trauma in the pediatric emergency department

Managing pediatric head trauma with elevated intracranial pressure in the acute setting can be challenging. Bedside ocular ultrasound for measuring optic nerve sheath diameters has been recently proposed as a portable noninvasive method to rapidly detect increased intracranial pressure in emergency department patients with head trauma. Prior study data agree that the upper limit of normal optic nerve sheath diameters is 5.0 mm in adults, 4.5 mm in children aged 1 to 15, and 4.0 mm in infants up to 1 year of age. We report the application of this technique to 3 cases of head trauma in the pediatric emergency department.     

Computed tomographic demonstration of cerebral edema in a child with galactosemia

An eight-day-old male infant with galactosemia presented with signs of increased intracranial pressure and no evidence of intracranial infection or hemorrhage. Computed tomographic scans demonstrated the presence of diffuse cerebral edema. With treatment, the edema gradually resolved, although it persisted longer within the white matter and was associated with transient bilateral pyramidal tract signs.     

Isolated cerebellar edema and obstructive hydrocephalus in a child with cerebral malaria.

An important complication of cerebral malaria is increased intracranial pressure which, when severe, is associated with high mortality or neurologic sequelae. We describe a 7-month-old child with cerebral malaria for whom cerebellar edema and obstructive hydrocephalus were initial radiologic findings. Despite significant hydrocephalus, the child had normal intracranial pressure during the course of the infection, and he recovered with minimal sequelae.     

Comparison of intracranial computed tomographic (CT) findings in pediatric abusive and accidental head trauma

Background. Child abuse specialists rely heavily on diagnostic neuroimaging. Objectives. Study objectives were: (1) to compare the frequencies of six specific intracranial CT abnormalities in accidental and non-accidental pediatric head trauma, and (2) to assess interobserver agreement regarding these CT findings. Materials and methods. Three pediatric radiologists blindly and independently reviewed cranial CT scans of pediatric patients who sustained closed head trauma between 1991 and 1994. All patients were less than 4 years of age. Study cases included thirty-nine (50 %) with non-accidental head trauma and thirty-nine (50 %) with accidental head trauma. Each scan was evaluated for the presence or absence of the following six intracranial findings: (1) interhemispheric falx hemorrhage, (2) subdural hemorrhage, (3) large (non-acute) extra-axial fluid, (4) basal ganglia edema, (5) posterior fossa hemorrhage, and (6) frontal-parietal shearing tear(s). Interobserver agreement was calculated as the percentage of total cases in which all reviewers agreed a specific CT finding was present or absent. Diagnosis required independent agreement by all three pediatric radiologists. The frequencies of these six intracranial CT abnormalities were compared between the two study groups by Chi-square analysis and Fisher's exact test. Results. Interobserver agreement between radiologists was greater than 80 % for all lesions evaluated, with the exception of frontal-parietal shearing tear(s). Interhemispheric falx hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage, large (non-acute) extra-axial fluid, and basal ganglia edema were discovered significantly more frequently in non-accidental trauma (P≤ .05). Conclusion. Although not specific for child abuse, discovery of these intracranial CT abnormalities in young patients should prompt careful evaluation of family and injury circumstances for indicators of non-accidental trauma. Received: 8 November 1996 Accepted: 10 April 1997     

Usefulness of MRI detection of cervical spine and brain injuries in the evaluation of abusive head trauma

Background

In the evaluation of children younger than 3 years with intracranial hemorrhage it can be difficult to determine whether the cause of hemorrhage was traumatic, and if so, whether abusive head trauma (AHT) is a possibility. Cervical spine MRI is not a routine part of the nationally recommended imaging workup for children with suspected abusive head trauma. There is increasing evidence that spinal injuries are found at autopsy or MRI in abused children. However the prevalence of cervical spine injuries in children evaluated for abusive head trauma is unknown. We sought to determine both the incidence and the spectrum of cervical spine and brain injuries in children being evaluated for possible abusive head trauma. We also examined the relationship between cervical and brain MRI findings and selected study outcome categories.

Materials and methods

This study is a 3-year retrospective review of children evaluated for abusive head trauma. Inclusion criteria were: children with head trauma seen at our institution between 2008 and 2010, age younger than 36 months, availability of diagnostic-quality brain and cervical spine MRI, and child abuse team involvement because abusive head trauma was a possibility. A child abuse pediatrician and pediatric radiologists, all with board certification, were involved in data collection, image interpretation and data analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata v12.1.

Results

The study included 74 children (43 boys, 31 girls) with a mean age of 164 days (range, 20–679 days). Study outcomes were categorized as: n?=?26 children with accidental head trauma, n?=?38 with abusive head trauma (n?=?18 presumptive AHT, n?=?20 suspicious for AHT), and n?=?10 with undefined head trauma. We found cervical spine injuries in 27/74 (36%) children. Most cervical spine injuries were ligamentous injuries. One child had intrathecal spinal blood and two had spinal cord edema; all three of these children had ligamentous injury. MRI signs of cervical injury did not show a statistically significant relationship with a study outcome of abusive head trauma or help discriminate between accidental and abusive head trauma. Of the 30 children with supratentorial brain injury, 16 (53%) had a bilateral hypoxic–ischemic pattern. There was a statistically significant relationship between bilateral hypoxic–ischemic brain injury pattern and abusive head trauma (P?<?0.05). In addition, the majority (81%) of children with bilateral hypoxic–ischemic brain injuries had cervical injuries.

Conclusion

Although detection of cervical spine injuries by MRI does not discriminate between accidental and abusive head trauma, it can help to distinguish a traumatic from non-traumatic intracranial subdural hemorrhage. Cervical MRI should be considered in children with acute intracranial bleeds and otherwise non-contributory history, physical examination and ophthalmological findings. There is a statistically significant relationship between diffuse hypoxic–ischemic brain injury patterns and abusive head trauma. The high incidence of cervical injuries in children with hypoxic–ischemic injuries suggests a causal relationship. Overall, increased utilization of brain and spine MRI in children being evaluated for abusive head trauma can be helpful.     

Minor head injury in the pediatric patient

Minor head injury is a common occurrence in children of all ages; however, controversy exists regarding the management of these children. Reports of neurologically intact children with intracranial injuries have caused many to recommend cautious management, while the infrequency of serious intracranial injuries after minor head trauma have prompted others to be less conservative. Based on recent literature reports, strategies for the management of children with minor head trauma are presented.     

Hemorrhagic pulmonary edema and cardiac failure following isolated head injury. Treatment with dobutamine and nitroglycerin (author's transl)

A 12 year boy with an isolated head injury and subdural hematoma developed neurogenic pulmonary edema and intraoperatively a low cardiac output syndrome. The postoperatively depressed cardiac function and hemorrhagic pulmonary edema were treated with Dobutamine and Nitroglycerin given intravenously. The beta-1-stimulating catecholamine was used because of its positive inotropic effect, to reduce pulmonary capillary pressure and to improve the afterload. Nitroglycerin applied in a low dosage with exclusive venodilator effect was added for treatment of pulmonary edema and left ventricular failure. About 2 1/2 h after the start of the treatment pulmonary edema had subsided and circulation was stabilized.     

Sudden death in toddlers with viral meningitis, massive cerebral edema, and neurogenic pulmonary edema and hemorrhage: report of two cases.

Viral (lymphocytic) meningitis typically does not cause sudden death, especially in the absence of severe inflammation in the brain or other organs. We report 2 toddlers with clinical evidence of a viral infection who died unexpectedly and were found at autopsy to have lymphocytic meningitis associated with severe brain edema, transtentorial herniation, neurogenic pulmonary edema and hemorrhage, and cardiomegaly. Influenza A virus, demonstrated in tracheal epithelium by immunocytochemistry, is the presumed cause of the mild meningitis in 1 case; adenovirus was cultured from swabs of the brain and anus in the 2nd case. Current concepts of neurogenic pulmonary edema and acute cardiac dysfunction associated with intracranial disease are discussed in considering the mechanism of sudden death in these toddlers. These cases emphasize the possibility that mild intracranial viral infections may be a rare cause of sudden death via lethal cardiopulmonary complications. They also underscore the importance of a comprehensive autopsy, including detailed neuropathologic examination and viral testing, in determining of the cause of unexpected death in toddlers.     

Mechanisms regulating the ductus arteriosus

A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) results in increased pulmonary blood flow and redistribution of flow to other organs. Several co-morbidities (i.e., necrotizing enterocolitis, intracranial hemorrhage, pulmonary edema/hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and retinopathy) are associated with the presence of a PDA, but whether or not a PDA is responsible for their development is still unclear. In this review, comparative physiology between the full term and preterm newborn and the barriers preventing the necessary cascade of events leading to permanent constriction of the PDA are reviewed.     

Benign intracranial hypertension following severe hyponatremic dehydration in congenital adrenal hyperplasia

A case of salt-losing congenital adrenal hyperplasia with severe hyponatremic dehydration is presented. Clinical signs and symptoms of cerebral edema with elevated intracranial pressure were present. Conventional treatment was started, and after initial concern regarding future head growth and development, there was a good outcome with normal development at 1 year of age. This course is suggestive of benign intracranial hypertension. Possible mechanisms are discussed with a review of the relevant literature.     

Intracranial tuberculoma. Evaluation and treatment

We used computerized tomography (CT) to screen 83 patients with partial seizures who had 1) increased intracranial pressure; 2) evidence of systemic tuberculosis; or 3) focal neurological deficit. We found intracranial tuberculoma in 20 (24%). In addition, of 55 patients with tuberculous meningitis, 12 had associated tuberculoma. The image morphology on CT scans showed ring lesions (14), discs (10), and irregular coalescing masses (8). Perilesional edema frequently was present. After appropriate antitubercular therapy, clinical outcome for seizures, neurological deficit, and increased intracranial pressure was satisfactory. CT lesions regressed within 12 weeks of inauguration of medical therapy in most patients. Medical management of tuberculoma is advocated, with surgery limited to those in whom such treatment is ineffective.     

Unusual cause of increased intracranial pressure from metastatic germ cell cancer

Metastatic lesions within the brain parenchyma are usually responsible for the development of increased intracranial pressure in patients with metastatic cancer. The lesions can usually be easily documented by computerized axial tomography (CT) of the head. Other causes must be sought in patients with metastatic cancer who present with signs of increased intracranial pressure and whose CT scan of the head fails to reveal any parenchymal lesions. Cranial metastases obstructing venous outflow from the brain may present in this manner.     

EDEMA FORMATION IN THE LUNGS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO NEONATAL RESPIRATORY DISTRESS

Bland, R. D. (Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, Ca, USA). Edema formation in the lungs and its relationship to neonatal respiratory distress. Acta Paediatr Scand, Suppl. 305: 92–99, 1983.—Pulmonary edema is an important feature of many newborn lung diseases, including respiratory distress from severe perinatal asphyxia, heart failure, hyaline membrane disease, pneumonitis from group B β–hemolytic streptococcus, and chronic lung disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia). Neonatal pulmonary edema often results from increased filtration pressure in the microcirculation of the lungs. This occurs during sustained hypoxia, in left ventricular failure associated with congenital heart disease or myocardial dysfunction, following excessive intravascular infusions of blood, colloid, fat, or electrolyte solution, and in conditions that increase pulmonary blood flow. Low intravascular protein osmotic pressure from hypoproteinemia may predispose infants to pulmonary edema. Hypoproteinemia is common in infants who are born prematurely. Large intravascular infusions of protein-free fluid further decrease the concentration of protein in plasma and thereby facilitate edema formation. Lymphatic obstruction by air (pulmonary interstitial emphysema) or fibrosis (long-standing lung disease) also may contribute to the development of edema. Bacteremia, endotoxemia. and prolonged oxygen breathing injure the pulmonary microvascular endothelium and cause proteinrich fluid to accumulate in the lungs. The risk of neonatal pulmonary edema can be reduced by several therapeutic measures designed to lessen filtration pressure, increase plasma protein osmotic pressure, and prevent or reduce the severity of lung injury.     

Fatal cerebral edema and intracranial hemorrhage associated with hypernatremic dehydration

We report neuroimaging findings of intracranial hemorrhage and cerebral edema in an infant with obtundation and seizures, initially suspected to be secondary to non-accidental trauma but finally attributed to hypernatremic dehydration. Neuroimaging findings due to hypernatremic dehydration have not been previously described in the radiologic literature. Hypernatremia should be included in the differential diagnosis of intracranial hemorrhage in the infant without evidence of nonaccidental trauma. Received: 21 February 1997 Accepted: 25 April 1997     

Evaluation of mild head injury in a pediatric population

Approximately 5 million children present to emergency departments, seeking care for head injuries, each year, and 80% of these children are classified as cases of mild head injury. Due to the huge number of patients and low frequency of intracranial lesions in this group, obtaining a computed tomography scan for each and every patient is a significant economic problem. This study was conducted to identify the clinical parameters and the radiographic findings that may be associated with intracranial lesions in children with mild head injury. 421 patients, with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 and without any focal neurological deficit, were studied. Intracranial lesion was noted in 37 cases (8.8%). Sensitivity of a plain radiogram was 43.2%, and specificity was 93%. An intracranial pathology was demonstrated in 28.9% of the patients with a linear skull fracture. The only clinical parameters associated with an increase in the frequency of detection of intracranial lesions were posttraumatic seizures and loss of consciousness. Age, sex, headache, vomiting and scalp lacerations were not associated with a higher frequency. Even when patients with a history of loss of consciousness or posttraumatic seizure were subtracted from the study group, intracranial lesions were noted in 4.1% of the cases, and in 1.8% neurosurgical intervention was required. Computed tomography is the gold standard in the evaluation of pediatric patients with mild head trauma, and every child who has experienced a head injury should undergo a cranial computed tomography evaluation, even if he or she appears in perfect health.     

Cerebral edema and priapism in an adolescent with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Priapism and increased intracranial pressure are both rare, but recognized, manifestations of leukemia. However, they have never been reported in the same patient. We report a 15-year-old male with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who presented with hyperleukocytosis, priapism, and increased intracranial pressure. Central nervous system leukostasis and cerebral edema may have been detected earlier, had his history of priapism been known. Management of hyperleukocytosis complicated by priapism and increased intracranial pressure is discussed.     

Inflicted childhood neurotrauma (shaken baby syndrome): ophthalmic findings

Inflicted childhood neurotrauma (shaken baby syndrome) is the term used for violent, nonaccidental, repetitive, unrestrained acceleration-deceleration head and neck movements, with or without blunt head trauma, combined with a unique, age-related biomechanical sensitivity in children typically younger than 3 years. This syndrome is typically characterized by a combination of fractures, intracranial hemorrhages, and intraocular hemorrhages. Retinal hemorrhage is the most common ophthalmic finding, and usually occurs at all levels of the retina. In recent years, increasing pressure has been placed on ophthalmologists to render diagnostic interpretations of the retinal findings in children suspected to be victims, which may have great forensic implications in criminal proceedings. New research has increased our understanding of the pathophysiology of retinal hemorrhages, the importance of specifically characterizing the types, patterns, and extent of these retinal hemorrhages, and the differential diagnosis.     

Craniocerebral trauma in the child abuse syndrome: radiological observations

Experience with craniocerebral trauma in 712 physically abused children is reviewed. Ninety-three (13%) had evidence of head trauma (cranial and/or intracranial). Seventy-seven of these patients had computed tomography (CT) of the head, and 47 had CT evidence of intracranial injury. Extracerebral fluid collections, predominantly convexity subdural hemorrhage, were the most common acute intracranial lesions. Concurrent intracranial and skeletal trauma (cranial and/or ectracranial) was present in 33 of the 47 patients (70%) with intracranial injury. A high incidence of skull fractures (45%) in those children with intracranial lesions suggest a significant role for impact head injuries (battering) in the pathogenesis of craniocerebral trauma in the child abuse syndrome. Greater emphasis on CT examination in evaluation of the abuse infant and child is recommended.     

基底节钙化与急性偏瘫综合征的关系

目的 探讨基底节钙化(BGC)与小儿急性偏瘫综合征(AHS)发病的关系。方法 对34例AHS病例有关，临床资料进行回顾性分析、总结。结果 39．4％AHS患儿有BGC，其中79．8％发病前10d内有明确轻微头部外伤史。临床表现为不同程度的一侧急性偏瘫，部分有惊厥发作，但无意识障碍，颅内压增高不明显。CT扫描显示在一侧或双侧基底节区点或片状钙化，其附近存在类圆形点或片状低密度灶。结论 BGC与外伤后AHS的发生有一定关系，故对年龄小于3岁、外伤后近期有偏瘫或惊厥发作患儿，应注意有BGC的可能。