CT of the neonatal head.
Computed tomography (CT) is used less often than other techniques on neonatal units. However, in the acute setting, CT can be invaluable in diagnosing or excluding potentially life-threatening conditions and guiding initial management in neonates. Common indications for scanning include trauma, suspected non-accidental injury, infection, or an acute hypoxic or metabolic event. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the normal neonatal head at CT and compare this to the common pathological abnormalities. Several key features of each condition will be highlighted. It is important to note that some pathological conditions can have overlapping features at CT and, therefore, the clinical history and additional investigations are also of key importance in determining the diagnosis.
Department of Radiology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK. Electronic address: shy.mohan@gmail.com.
S
S
Mohan
E A
EA
Rogan
R
R
Batty
A
A
Raghavan
E H
EH
Whitby
A R
AR
Hart
D J A
DJ
Connolly
D001921:Brain / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods; D006257:Head / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000175:diagnosis; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007239:Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*