Cranial Computerized Tomography in the Diagnosis of Brain Disorders in Infants and Children

Abstract

Cranial computerized tomography (CCT) has opened new dimensions in the diagnosis of neuropediatric disorders. The results of this new method are comparable to gross neuropathology. It is often possible to avoid further invasive neuroradiological investigations. This is especially true of pneumoencephalography which, according to the present state of CCT, is no longer indicated. Optimal diagnostic results can be achieved only if the patient is cooperative and does not move his head during the scanning procedure. Therefore in infants general anesthesia is necessary. Sedation alone has not proved to be sufficient. The numerous new findings gained by CCT cover nearly all types of intracranial lesions. The direct visualization of brain tumors in their relations to the surrounding structures, the surprising findings in inflammatory diseases of the brain and the impressive demonstration of brain anomalies make CCT superior to all conventional neuroradiological investigations. Only for planning a surgical intervention and in vascular disorders does angiography remain irreplacable.