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Neuropediatrics 2016; 47(05): 327-331
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1586215
Original Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effect of Hemoconcentration on Dural Sinus Computed Tomography Density in a Pediatric Population

Nursel Yurttutan
1   Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
,
Betul Kizildag
1   Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
,
Mehmet Akif Sarica
1   Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
,
Murat Baykara
1   Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

11 March 2016

31 May 2016

Publication Date:
25 July 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Unenhanced brain computed tomography (CT) is inexpensive, easily available, and the first-choice imaging modality for patients presenting with various neurologic symptoms. Venous thrombosis is not rare in childhood, but diagnosis can be difficult. In some cases, only denser vessels can be used to highlight an issue. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the relationship between X-ray attenuation and hemoconcentration in a pediatric population. This study enrolled 99 pediatric patients who had been referred radiology department for unenhanced brain CT. Images were retrospectively evaluated for measurement of dural sinus densities from four distinct dural sinus locations. Correlation between mean Hounsfield unit (HU) values and hemoglobin/hematocrit (Hb/Htc) levels, as well as age and gender were further analyzed. There was a strong correlation between mean HU and Hb levels (r = 0.411; standard deviation: 0.001) and also between mean HU and Htc levels (r = 0.393; p < 0.001). According to the results of this study, the mean sinus density and H:H (HU:Htc) values were 44.06 HU and 1.19, respectively, in a normal pediatric group. In conclusion, before deciding between a diagnosis of thrombosis and a determination of normal findings during an evaluation of unenhanced CT in a pediatric population, radiologists should consider complete blood count results as well as H:H ratios.

Keywords

computed tomography - density - dural sinus - Hounsfield unit - venous thrombosis

Authors' Contributions

N.Y., B.K., M.A.S, and M.B. initiated and designed the study. N.Y. and B.K. participated in data collection. N.Y. and M.B. contributed to interpretation of the results. M.A.S. drafted the initial manuscript. All authors critically revised the article and approved of the final article as submitted. N.Y. and M.B. supervised the design and conduct of the research and monitored data analysis.


 

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