INTRACEREBRAL CHANGES DETECTED BY CT SCAN OF BRAIN IN POST DELIVERY ECLAMPSIA PATIENTS

Dr. Kumudini Pradhan, Dr. Sudhanshu Sekhar Nath* and Dr. Santosh Kumar Panigrahi

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Eclampsia is an extremely severe form of preeclampsia. CT scan of brain can provide useful intracerebral information to detect different brain lesions in eclampsia which may have different prognosis with residual effect and may need specific modifications in management protocol to prevent long term neurologic sequels and reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. Aiims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the different neurological changes in brain by CT scan in eclampsia and their relation with different neurologic symptoms. The different findings of CT scan were also correlated with other parameters like gravid status, gestational age, number of convulsions, associated obstetrical complications etc. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective cross sectional study of CT scan findings of brain in cases of eclampsia including both antepartum and postpartum, admitted in a tertiary care hospital. Results: Mean age of the eclamptic mothers was found to be of 24.14 years. The most common region affected which constitutes 80% of number of cases are parietal and occipital lobes combined together. Cerebral oedema was the most common predominant lesion which constitutes 60% of the total abnormal CT scan findings, followed by cerebral infarction/ischemia which accounts for 28% of total patients. 50 had neurological symptoms(64%), Headache or Head reeling were the most common neurological symptoms. From those 32, 20 cases(62.5%) had abnormal CT scan findings while 12 eclamptic mothers(37.5%) had normal CT scan findings No significant difference of CT scan findings between the patients who delivered within 12 hours of development of eclampsia from the patients who delivered after 12 hours of onset of eclampsia. Conclusion: Cerebral oedema is the most common cerebral lesions followed by cerebral infarction and cerebral haemorrhage. Parieto-occipital regions of the brain are the most common affected area. Those who have lesions are significantly related to level of consciousness(GCS SCORE) and number of convulsive episodes. Most common neurological finding is headache followed by altered sensorium, coma and visual disturbances.

Keywords: Eclampsia, CT Scan, Intracerebral.