Forensic applications of cerebral single photon emission computed tomography in mild traumatic brain injury.
J Am Acad Psychiatry Law
; 36(3): 310-22, 2008.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18802178
ABSTRACT
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a substantial source of mortality and morbidity world wide. Although most such injuries are relatively mild, accurate diagnosis and prognostication after mild TBI are challenging. These problems are complicated further when considered in medicolegal contexts, particularly civil litigation. Cerebral single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) may contribute to the evaluation and treatment of persons with mild TBI. Cerebral SPECT is relatively sensitive to the metabolic changes produced by TBI. However, such changes are not specific to this condition, and their presence on cerebral SPECT imaging does not confirm a diagnosis of mild TBI. Conversely, the absence of abnormalities on cerebral SPECT imaging does not exclude a diagnosis of mild TBI, although such findings may be of prognostic value. The literature does not demonstrate consistent relationships between SPECT images and neuropsychological testing or neuropsychiatric symptoms. Using the rules of evidence shaped by Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and its progeny to analyze the suitability of SPECT for forensic purposes, we suggest that expert testimony regarding SPECT findings should be admissible only as evidence to support clinical history, neuropsychological test results, and structural brain imaging findings and not as stand-alone diagnostic data.
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Psiquiatria Legal
/
Lesões Encefálicas
/
Tomografia Computadorizada de Emissão de Fóton Único
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Humans
País como assunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2008
Tipo de documento:
Article