Computed tomography findings in patients with mild head trauma

To determine the frequency of computed tomography [CT] findings in patients with mild head trauma. In this cross-sectional study conducted between September 2005 and April 2006, 708 patients with mild head trauma as defined by a Glasgow Coma Score [GCS] of 13-15, were underwent standard clinical examination and cranial CT. The mean +/- SD age of our patients was 26.8 +/- 19.03 years [range: 1 month to 89 years]. 489 [68.9%] patients were male and 219 [30.8%] were female. GSC was 13 in 1%, 14 in 4.6% and 15 in 94.4% of patients. The most common mechanism of trauma was car accident and falling down, each of which happened for 132 patients [18.6%].The most common findings on CT were subgaleal hematomas in 213[30%] and intracranial lesions were seen in 41 patients[5.8%] ;among them 37 were male. Among intracranial lesions, the most common finding was epidural hematoma in 18 patients followed by hemorrhagic contusion in 13 patients. Intracranial lesions were observed in 28.6% of patients with GCS of 13; in 15.2% with GCS of 14 and in 5.1% with GCS of 15 [P=0.002]. Many of patients with GCS equal to 15 after head trauma have considerable intracranial lesions and minor focal neurologic signs revealed by careful physical examination could be a good marker of these lesions

[Evaluation of the effect of patient position on sonographic renal length measurement in children under 18 years old]

Renal length as measured on sonography is fundamental in diagnosis and follow up of renal diseases, and there's increasing use of this kind of examination nowadays. Some radiologists believe in the effect of position on renal measurements. Regarding the above mentioned facts and in order to compare effect of patient position on sonographic measurement of renal length, this study was performed on children [under 18 years old] referred to Taleghani and Shohadaie Tajrish hospitals from October 2001 through October 2002. In this clinical trial ,one hundred children were sequentially selected. All of them [or their parents] announced their agreement for sonographic examination. The observer measured the largest longitudinal renal diameter in three positions; Supine, Coronal and Prone. Two measurements were obtained in each position and the larger one was recorded. If it wasn't possible to get the desirable measurement in one position, it was also taken into consideration. The results were judged with Anova tests. Of the 100 patients investigated, 52 were boys and 48 were girls. In sagittal view, the left kidney was not measurable in 33.3% of girls and 38.5% of boys. The maximum difference in renal measurements in the three procedures and accordingly, right and left kidneys as well as boys and girls was 3.7%, which was not statistically significant. Patient's position has no effect on renal length. It may not be possible to measure the renal diameter in the supine position of all patients. It seems that coronal position is more suitable than the others