Priyatha P1, K. Prasannan2
INTRODUCTION
Diagnosis, treatment and outcome vary significantly by the mechanism, severity and the morphology of underlying injury. CT (Computed Tomography) scan is said to reveal promptly, accurately and noninvasively the intracranial and parenchymal abnormalities in acute cranio-cerebral trauma. The information in the literature regarding the short comings of routine CT scan in picking up of lesions in TBI (Traumatic brain injury) is limited. The present study is undertaken to correlate the CT scan and autopsy findings in TBI. 50 cases of TBI from a period Dec 2012 to May 2014 brought for autopsy at a Government Medical College were studied and analysed. The study showed that the sensitivity of CT for Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) with respect to various regions of brain ranged from 8.3% to 22.9%. Sensitivity of CT for intra Ventricular haemorrhage was only 27.3% and of Subdural haemorrhage (SDH) was also low (50%). Sensitivity of CT for the detection of IVH was 27.3% and specificity 94.9%. For Intra parenchymal haemorrhage the specificity was 98% and sensitivity range from 40 to 66.7%. Haemorrhagic contusions showed overall sensitivity of 42.9% and specificity 72.4%. Brain stem contusions were detected in 14% of cases where as PM examination revealed it in 46% of cases.
Sensitivity of CT for brain oedema, herniation and midline shift were poor.
