Mixed-density extradural hematomas on computed tomography-prognostic significance.
BACKGROUND
It has been variably reported that patients who acutely present with low- or mixed-density blood on CT scan are associated with poor clinical outcome. The aim of the study was to correlate the presence or absence of mixed density within EDHs on CT scanning with the clinical outcome.


METHODS
This is a retrospective study of a total of 109 patients with EDHs who were operated on from August 2001 to August 2002. The CT scans were reviewed and classified into 2 categories-predominantly hyperdense and mixed density. This was correlated with clinical details and outcome.


RESULTS
In all, 43.2% (16/37) of patients in the mixed-density category presented with GCS of no more than 8 as compared with 23.6% (17/72) of patients in the hyperdense group (P < .05). Mean hematoma volume in the mixed-density group was 72 cm(3) as compared with 42 cm(3) in the hyperdense group (P < .05). Mortality rate was significantly higher in the mixed-density category (21.6% vs 4.2%, P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
The study portends mixed density in EDH as a potent poor prognostic indicator. The mixed density of the clot probably indicates that the clot is rapidly increasing in size and requires even earlier and more aggressive treatment.
Pruthi
Nupur
N
Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Hosur Road, Bangalore 560029, India.
Balasubramaniam
Anandh
A
Chandramouli
Bangalore A
BA
Somanna
Sampath
S
Devi
Bhagavatula Indira
BI
Vasudevan
Pillai Shibu
PS
Subbakrishna
Doddaballapur K
DK
Vasudev
Mandapati K
MK
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006407:Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D015996:Survival Rate; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome