Computed Tomographic Patterns of Traumatic Brain Injury in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital.

Abstract

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where road traffic accidents constitute a significant public health burden. Neuroimaging, especially computed tomography (CT), plays a pivotal role in the early diagnosis, management, and prognostication of TBI. Understanding the spectrum of neuroimaging findings in affected patients is essential for improving patient care and resource allocation, which is the aim of this study. Methodology: This retrospective descriptive study reviewed cranial CT scans of patients diagnosed with traumatic brain injury at a tertiary healthcare institution in Uyo over a specified study period. Demographic data, mechanisms of injury, and computed tomographic findings were extracted from radiological records and patient case notes. CT findings assessed included, but were not limited to, skull fractures, extra-axial haemorrhages, intracerebral haemorrhage, cerebral contusions and midline shift. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 183 patients with traumatic brain injury were evaluated, with a male predominance of 80.3%. The majority of patients occurred within the economically active age group of 20-59 years. Road traffic accidents constituted the most common mechanism of injury at 70% (n = 128). The most frequent neuroimaging findings were scalp swelling (n = 137, 74.9%), cerebral contusion (n = 130, 71.0%), skull fracture (n = 109, 59.6%), Diffuse cerebral oedema (n = 101, 55.2%) and subdural haemorrhage (n = 84, 45.9%). Multiple intracranial lesions were identified in a considerable proportion of patients. Conclusion: Traumatic brain injury in Uyo predominantly affects adult males and is commonly related to road traffic accidents. Cranial CT demonstrated a wide spectrum of neuroimaging abnormalities, with extra-axial haemorrhages and cerebral contusions being among the most frequent findings. Prompt neuroimaging evaluation remains indispensable in the diagnosis and management of TBI patients and may aid in improving clinical outcomes.