Computed Tomography in the evaluation of seizures at the University Hospital of the West Indies.
A retrospective evaluation of the Computed Tomography (CT) findings in three hundred and forty-four patients with seizures, presenting over a one-year period, was carried out to determine the value of this examination in the assessment of these patients. Eighty-four per cent of patients had non-contrast studies only. Of the remaining patients, two had contrast studies only and the rest had both non-contrast and contrast studies. All cerebral abnormalities detected on contrast studies were evident on non-contrast scans. Forty-two per cent of all patients presenting with seizures were found to have a demonstrable abnormality on CT. There was a greater detection rate in patients with seizures secondary to trauma, cerebrovascular incidents, infection, metabolic causes and suspected tumours. Computed tomography continues to have a place in the evaluation of certain types of seizure patients. The routine use of intravenous contrast does not appear to be justifiable.
Soares
D
D
Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care (Section of Radiology), University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica. dpsoares@cwjamaica.com
Reid
M
M
Fenna
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002648:Child; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media