Effect of corticosteroids on intracranial pressure, computed tomographic findings, and clinical outcome in young children with tuberculous meningitis

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of highdose prednisone on intracranial pressure (ICP), cranial computed tomographic (CT) findings, and clinical outcome in young children with moderate to severe tuberculous meningitis (TBM). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, controlled, randomized study. METHODS: Continuous lumbar, cerebrospinal fluid pressure monitoring and contrasted CT scanning were performed in 141 consecutive children with TBM at admission. All children were then randomly allocated to a nonsteroid group (71 children) or a steroid group (70 children) who received prednisone (first 16 children, 2 mg/kg per day; next 54 children, 4 mg/kg per day) for the first month of treatment. ICP monitoring and CT scanning were repeated regularly, and clinical outcome was assessed after 6 months of antituberculosis treatment. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in ICP or the degree of hydrocephalus (as demonstrated by CT scan) was found between the steroid and nonsteroid groups after the first month of treatment. Basal ganglia infarcts developed in 16% of children in the steroid group and 24% in the nonsteroid group during the first month of treatment. Neither this incidence nor the eventual size of infarcts present at admission differed significantly between the two treatment groups. Single or multiple tuberculomas were seen on the first CT scans of 7 children (5%), whereas tuberculomas developed in 11 children (8%) at treatment. Both the response of the tuberculomas to treatment and the incidence of new tuberculomas were significantly improved by steroid therapy. Basal enhancement was also significantly less in the steroid group after 1 month of treatment. Steroids lowered mortality in stage III TBM significantly. Similarly, more surviving children in the steroid group had IQs of greater than 75 than did the those in the nonsteroid group. No significant difference was found in the incidence of motor deficit, blindness, or deafness. CONCLUSIONS: Corticosteroids significantly improved the survival rate and intellectual outcome of children with TBM. Enhanced resolution of the basal exudate and tuberculomas by steroids was shown by serial CT scanning. Corticosteroids did not affect ICP or the incidence of basal ganglia infarction significantly.     

Some rare causes of intracranial calcification in childhood: computed tomographic findings

The CT findings in 36 cases of childhood intracranial calcification were analysed. Tuberous sclerosis was the commonest disease, predisposing to calcifications that were essentially nodular in type and bilaterally periventricular in distribution. Calcifications were also noted in other common diseases such as tuberculoma and osteopetrosis, and after meningitis. There were three cases of osteopetrosis with intracranial calcifications: one had calcifications in the peritentorial region and two in the junction regions between the grey and white matters with basal ganglia. These observations were previously unreported. The presence of basal ganglia calcification in Down syndrome is also reported. Most calcifications were not visualized on plain radiographs. Our study shows that if the CT attenuation values are less than 200 Hounsfield units (HU), the calcifications are not visualized on the plain radiographs.     

Nuss术治疗小儿漏斗胸的CT指数评估

目的 探讨采用CT指数客观评估Nuss手术治疗小儿漏斗胸效果的价值.方法 2005年5月至2009年1月,采用胸腔镜辅助下改良Nuss术治疗115例中重度漏斗胸患儿,将已拔除钢板的30例患儿作为研究对象.采用胸部CT扫描分别测量术前、Nuss术后、拔除钢板后的CT指数,进行对比研究.选取年龄匹配的30例排除胸部畸形的患儿作为对照组.将实验组分为小年龄组(≤10岁)22例及大年龄组(>10岁)8例;对称型组18例及不对称型组12例;中度组(CT指数≤5)18例及重度组(CT指数>5)12例.各组之间进行对比及统计分析.结果 实验组Nuss术后以及拔除钢板后的CT指数与术前进行配对t检验显示差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.001),拔除钢板后CT指数与Nuss术后相比,差异无统计学意义(P=0.472),并且与对照组的2.48±0.24相比,差异无统计学意义(P=0.057).小年龄组与大年龄组Nuss术后及拔钢板后的CT指数与术前相比,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),而两组之间相比,差异均无统计学意义(P=0.093,P=0.116).对称型组和不对称型组Nuss术后及拔钢板后的CT指数与术前相比,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),而两组之间相比,差异均无统计学意K(P=0.281,P=0.610).中度组和重度组Nuss术后及拔钢板后CT指数与术前相比,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),两组之间Nuss术后相比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),但拔钢板后差异无统计学意义(P=0.093).结论 CT指数可以客观地评估Nuss术矫治小儿漏斗胸术后乃至拔除钢板后的手术效果.无论年龄、畸形类型及畸形程度,Nuss手术均能取得良好效果.     

The spectrum of growing skull fracture in children.

The genesis and complications of the growing skull fracture in children is discussed. Four patients are presented to illustrate the common and uncommon features of growing skull fractures. The need for complete radiological evaluation as well as the timing of follow-up examinations is stressed.     

Complication of linear skull fracture in young children.

The development of a leptomeningeal cyst following an otherwise uncomplicated linear skull fracture in a young child may result in a sizable cranial defect and irreversible neurological deficit months or years later. This complication most often follows parietal fractures but is also seen after occipital fractures or traumatic suture diastases. An underlying dural tear is a prerequisite to its subsequent development. Neurological deficit may be avoided by early diagnosis, surgical excision, dural closure, and cranioplasty. Early diagnosis depends on obtaining a skull roentgenogram four to six months following the original injury in any child where examination of the scalp and skull suggests and underlying expanding fracture.     

Single small enhancing computed tomographic lesion in Indian children--I: Evolution of current concepts

Single, small (<20 mm) enhancing CT lesions are the commonest cause of focal seizures in Indian children and are also frequently reported from other tropical countries. They often resolve spontaneously on follow-up and have therefore led to controversies regarding their etiology and appropriate management. Initially, these lesions were often considered to be tuberculomas. However, as research progressed over the last two decades, solitary cysticercus granuloma has been found to be the most likely cause for these lesions. In this article we discuss the evolution of current etiological concepts regarding single, small enhancing CT lesions among Indian children, and an approach towards management.     

Superior sagittal sinus thrombosis associated with raised intracranial pressure in closed head injury with depressed skull fracture

A case of delayed signs of intracranial hypertension following closed head injury with a depressed cranial fracture and superior sagittal sinus thrombosis is reported. Conservative treatment of intracranial hypertension, including just repeated lumbar puncture and oral acetazolamide, was performed. Spontaneous recanalization of the superior sagittal sinus was observed. Pathogenesis and different modalities of treatment are discussed.     

Association between linear skull fractures and intracranial hemorrhage in children with minor head trauma

Background  

To determine whether skull fractures can be used to associate intracranial hemorrhage with minor head trauma (MHT).     

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     

儿童颅内蛛网膜囊肿29例临床分析

目的 探讨儿童颅内蛛网膜囊肿的临床特点和最佳治疗方法.方法 对收治的29例小儿颅内蛛网膜囊肿的临床资料进行分析总结.结果 所有患儿随访6个月～3年.手术治疗的7例中6例术后症状明显改善,头颅CT检查囊肿消失4例,缩小2例.保守治疗22例,7例抗癫癎治疗中药物治疗控制良好6例,未再出现抽搐;15例未作特殊治疗者,头围均无异常增大,复查头颅CT显示囊肿均无进行性增大,也无明显压迫症状.结论 对有明显手术指征者应立即采取手术治疗;对于单纯合并癫癎及症状较轻或无症状者,宜采取保守治疗,并定期作头颅CT跟踪观察,一旦出现手术指征,应立即采取积极手术治疗.     

先天性心脏病心肌损害临床分析

目的 探讨先天性心脏病(先心病)患儿心肌损害程度与缺氧及心功能的关系,为心肌保护提供理论依据。方法 测定115例先心病患儿心肌酶谱和58例先心病心肌肌钙蛋白I(CTnI)。结果 115例中A、D、E组心肌酶谱改变以乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、乳酸脱氢酶同工酶1(LDH1)、肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)、α-羟丁酸脱氢酶(α-HBDH)增高明显,在各组心肌酶谱结果比较及与正常值比较中,两组有显著差异或非常显著差异(P<0.05或P<0.01);CK-MB／CK>0.05。先心病患儿58例中A、D、E组cTnI检出阳性率明显升高(P<0.05),且A、D、E组中cTnI与LDH、LDH1、CK、α-HBDH阳性率比较,各组间有显著差异(P<0.05),与CK-MB比较,无显著差异(P>0.05)。结论 LDH、LDH1、CK-MB、CK-MB／CK、α-HBDH、cTnI是判断先心病患儿心肌损害重要指标;CK-MB与cTnI是诊断心肌损害的血清金标准。     

Clinical and computed tomographic observations on newborn infants with generalized brain edema due to perinatal asphyxia

We observed a sudden respiratory arrest in four term newborn infants after a clinically symptom-free period. There were no cardiac, pulmonary or metabolic changes responsible for these events. Signs of cerebral dysfunction existed (muscular hypotonia, jitterness, seizures). Cranial computerized tomographic scans were performed during the period of respirator treatment within the first week of life. The density of the brain structures was significantly decreased in all cases, three of the patients showed a complete compression of the lateral ventricles. These findings indicated severe brain swelling as a consequence of cerebral hypoxia. There was a history of umbilical cord occlusion in two cases. In the remaining patients we must assume an undetected hypoxic-ischemic episode prior to the onset of labor. We used hyperventilation, corticosteroids, phenobarbital, diuretics and fluid restriction for therapy. Later on the babies received special physiotherapy. Control CT-scans were performed during the fourth or fifth week of life. The findings were normal in one patient. Signs of mild focal brain atrophy developed in two babies. A more severe cortical atrophic lesion of both temporal lobes was found in one patient. He suffered from a slight cerebral palsy. No neurodevelopmental handicaps could be found in all the other patients on long term follow-up. The EEG examination was performed between the fifth and seventh month of life. No pathologic changes were observed. We conclude that severe generalized brain edema in the newborn is not necessarily followed by extensive brain damage. We think it important to develop more sensitive methods for detecting a hypoxic ischemic crisis preceding the birth.     

新生儿硬膜外血肿伴颅骨骨折及头颅血肿治疗方法初探

目的 探讨新生儿硬膜外血肿伴颅骨骨折及头颅血肿时通过头颅血肿穿刺抽血对硬膜下血肿的治疗效果。方法 对2012—2013年我科收治的4例新生儿硬膜外血肿伴颅骨骨折及头颅血肿患儿的临床表现、影像学特点进行总结;患儿均行床旁抽取头颅血肿内的血液治疗颅内硬膜外血肿。对比患儿手术前后的影像学改变,并对患儿进行随访。结果 4例硬膜外血肿患儿均有头颅血肿和颅骨骨折。2例临床无神经系统异常表现,其中1例生后头颅血肿进行性增大;1例患儿有神经兴奋症状;1例患儿生后21 h出现惊厥,生后6天仍有肌张力减低。4例患儿影像学均发现在头颅血肿对应颅内部位有硬膜外血肿并对周围脑皮质有不同程度压迫,在头颅血肿和硬膜外血肿之间的颅骨存在骨折。4例患儿分别于生后3~9天行头颅血肿穿刺,抽出血量3~24 ml不等,手术后硬膜外血肿均明显减小,其中1例抽过两次头颅血肿。2例患儿已随访1年,2例患儿随访3个月;其中3例患儿神经发育同同龄儿,1例因肌张力减低进行康复治疗,已明显好转。结论 对于伴颅骨骨折及头颅血肿的硬膜外血肿,可行头颅血肿穿刺,通过骨折缝隙将颅内硬膜外血肿的血液引流至颅外头颅血肿处,减小硬膜外血肿,达到减轻对脑实质的压迫及减少神经系统后遗症的目的。     

Clinical efficacy of serial computed tomographic scanning in pediatric severe traumatic brain injury

The purpose of this study is to determine whether serial computed tomography (CT) scans of the head lead to operative intervention in pediatric patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Serial CT scans are those done in addition to the initial CT scan and one follow up CT scan in the first 24–48 h. This study is a retrospective review from January 1990 to December 2003. The hospital course was reviewed for 942 pediatric patients with traumatic brain injuries. Of these, 40 patients were identified who met the following criteria: age less than 18, admission, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤8, intra-cranial pressure (ICP) monitoring during hospitalization, no craniotomy at admission, and at least one serial CT scan after the first 48 h. One hundred fifteen serial CT scans were ordered. Eighty-seven were ordered for routine follow up, 24 were ordered for increased ICP, and 4 were ordered for neurologic change. One craniotomy and one burr hole were performed based on serial CT scans ordered for increased ICP. Serial CT scans, beyond the initial and follow-up scans, have a limited role in children with severe TBI. In this series, only serial CT scans ordered for increased ICP (21%) and neurologic deterioration (3%) led to operative interventions. Serial scans ordered for routine follow-up (76%) resulted in no operative interventions.     

多层螺旋CT成像技术在川崎病冠状动脉病变诊断中的应用价值

目的 探讨多层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像技术在观察川崎病冠状动脉病变中的应用价值。方法 采用多层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像技术（MSCT）和二维超声心动图方法（TDE）检查34例川崎病患儿的冠状动脉,分析对比两种检查方法的价值。结果 MSCT显示冠状动脉损伤12例,累及冠状动脉16支,其中左冠状动脉扩张9支（26％）,狭窄、钙化和狭窄合并钙化各1支,右冠状动脉扩张4支（12％）。TDE显示冠状动脉扩张10例,其中左冠状动脉7支（21％）,右冠状动脉6支（18％）。MSCT显示3例狭窄和钙化,2例左前降支扩张的病变,TDE显示阴性结果。两种方法探察冠状动脉扩张的阳性率比较,差异无统计学意义;探察冠状动脉狭窄和钙化,差异有统计学意义,χ^2=24．3（P〈0．01）。两种方法测量左右冠状动脉内径有很好的相关性,相关系数分别为r=0．90,r=0．82（均P〈0．01）。结论 利用MSCT能观察冠状动脉的全貌,特别是冠状动脉的中远段,在诊断钙化和狭窄方面具有独到之处,弥补了二维超声的不足,可部分取代传统的冠状动脉造影,是一种有价值的川崎病追踪随访的检查手段。