title: The efficacy of routine head computed tomography (CT scan) prior to lumbar puncture in the emergency department.
abstract: The efficacy of using unenhanced head computed tomography (CT scans) as a routine screening procedure prior to lumbar puncture in the emergency department is studied retrospectively by comparing opening pressure during lumbar puncture to CT scan diagnosis in 42 patients. No correlation was found between CT scan findings and opening pressure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
authors.forename: N D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kharazi
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Laurent
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Williamson
authors.forename: B N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Weissman
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zamani
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sanchez
mesh_terms: D001284:Atrophy; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000075202:Contraindications; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D007427:Intracranial Pressure; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013129:Spinal Puncture; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed