ROLE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCAN IN THE DIAGNOSING OF PEDIATRICS NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS, A FOCUS ON CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS

Abstract

Background: Pediatric neurological disorders such as craniosynostosis demand timely and accurate diagnosis to prevent complications like developmental delays and increased intracranial pressure. Among available imaging modalities, computed tomography (CT) remains the gold standard due to its superior ability to visualize cranial sutures and detect premature fusion, which is central to diagnosing craniosynostosis and planning appropriate intervention.

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic role of CT scans in pediatric neurological disorders with a focus on craniosynostosis and to assess their association with clinical outcomes including developmental delay, increased intracranial pressure (ICP), and surgical necessity.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Tehsil Head Quarter Hospital, Arif Wala, Punjab, Pakistan, involving 80 pediatric patients aged 1–12 years who presented with suspected neurological disorders. Non-contrast CT brain scans were performed using a standardized pediatric protocol, including multiplanar reconstructions and 3D volume rendering to assess cranial sutures. Inclusion criteria were newly suspected cases, and patients with prior diagnoses or non-diagnostic imaging were excluded. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured from guardians. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS Version 25.

Results: Out of 80 children (mean age: 5.83 ± 3.16 years; 56.3% female), CT scans confirmed craniosynostosis in 69 cases (86.3%). Developmental delay was noted in 63 patients (78.8%), while increased ICP was seen in 36 (45%). Surgical intervention was deemed necessary in 23 patients (28.8%). Common cranial deformities included positional molding (25%) and scaphocephaly (18.8%). CT attenuation was low in 38 patients (47.5%) and high in 34 (42.5%).

Conclusion: CT scans demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for craniosynostosis and proved essential for identifying cranial abnormalities, planning surgeries, and predicting clinical outcomes in pediatric patients. Their precision makes CT an indispensable tool in early diagnosis and management of craniosynostosis.