SAR Journal of Medical Case Reports
Volume-2 | Issue-02
Original Research Article
Cranial Computed Tomographic Findings in Children with Hydrocephalus in Sokoto North Western Nigeria
Gele IH, Sa’idu SA, Ma’aji SM, Danfulani M, Yunusa GH, Sule MB, Abubakar M, Yakubu SB
Published : June 6, 2021
Abstract
Background: Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess fluid accumulates in the brain resulting in dilatation of the ventricles. The prognosis of hydrocephalus depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Computed tomography (CT) is one of the imaging modalities used for diagnosis and evaluation of treatment options as well as for follow up and monitoring of the patients. Aim and Objectives: This study is aimed at documenting CT findings of hydrocephalus in children at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto with specific objectives of determining the common causes of hydrocephalus and comparing the incidence of congenital and acquired hydrocephalus. Materials and Methods: This was a four-year retrospective study of 100 consecutive children with clinical and/or Computarized Tomographic (CT) diagnosis of hydrocephalus who had CT scan at the Radiology Department of UDUTH Sokoto, North Western Nigeria. Data and the images were retrieved from the departmental archives and patient’s case folders. These data regarding the demographics of patients, clinical history and examination, cranial CT findings and radiological measurements were entered into the proforma. Data was analyzed using SPSS statistical software package version 20. Results: The age range of patients was from 5 days to 14 years with male/female ratio of 1.6:1. Congenital hydrocephalus accounted for 54% while acquired hydrocephalus occured in 46%. Non communicating hydrocephalus was the predominant form of hydrocephalus accounting for 59% while communicating hydrocephalus occured in 41% of patients. Aqueductal stenosis (32%) was the commonest cause of hydrocephalus followed by post meningitic hydrocephalus (22%) and intracranial tumours (16%) respectively. Conclusion: This study shows that congenital hydrocephalus is the predominant type in the study population. Aqueductal stenosis was the commonest cause of hydrocephalus.