ACCURACY OF COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHY IN DIAGNOSIS OF BRAIN TUMOURS IN CHILDREN

Authors

  • Khalid Khan
  • Ahmed Nadeem Qureshi
  • Phool Bibi
  • Muhammad Jehanzeb

Abstract

Background: CT scan has replaced most of the invasive techniques in diagnosis of braintumours because it can accurately demonstrate, localize and characterize the brain tumours. Theobjective of this study was to observe the accuracy of CT scan in the diagnosis of brain tumoursin children by comparing it with histopathology. This descriptive case series was conducted atDepartment of Radiology, Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad from 10th March 2005 to 9thMarch 2007. Methods: Both pre and post contrast CT scan was carried out on 120 patientsreferred to Radiology Department for CT scan suspected of having brain tumours. Data of CTfindings/diagnosis of patients having brain tumours were collected on a proforma.Histopathology of specimen from operation or biopsy was carried out and compared with theCT scan diagnosis. Results: Glial tumours comprised the largest category 68 (56.67%).Medulloblastoma was 23 (19.16%) Craniopharyngioma 8 (6.63%) and Ependymoma were 6(5.0%) each. Hemangioblastoma 2 (1.67%), Choroid plexus one (0.83%) adenoma and pinealtumours were 9 (3.33%) each. As regards comparison between CT and histopathology, anagreement between the two was found in 104 (86.67%) cases whereas in 16 (13.33%) of thecases, the histopathology reports were different. In case of Astrocytomas 63 (92.64%) wereconfirmed on histopathology and 5 (7.36%) was reported differently. In Medulloblastomas 19(82.60%) were accurately diagnosed on CT scan. Sensitivity of CT scan in diagnosis of braintumours in children was 93.33%. Conclusion: CT Scan is more accurate predictor of braintumour yet it is not always 100% accurate.Keywords: CT scan, Histopathology, Paediatric tumours, Astrocytomas, Medulloblastoma

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Published

2009-06-01

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