The efficacy of routine head computed tomography (CT scan) prior to lumbar puncture in the emergency department

N D Baker; H Kharazi; L Laurent; A T Walker; D S Williamson; B N Weissman; A Zamani; R Sanchez

doi:10.1016/0736-4679(94)90409-x

The efficacy of routine head computed tomography (CT scan) prior to lumbar puncture in the emergency department

J Emerg Med. 1994 Sep-Oct;12(5):597-601. doi: 10.1016/0736-4679(94)90409-x.

Authors

N D Baker¹, H Kharazi, L Laurent, A T Walker, D S Williamson, B N Weissman, A Zamani, R Sanchez

Affiliation

¹ Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.

PMID: 7989684
DOI: 10.1016/0736-4679(94)90409-x

Abstract

The efficacy of using unenhanced head computed tomography (CT scans) as a routine screening procedure prior to lumbar puncture in the emergency department is studied retrospectively by comparing opening pressure during lumbar puncture to CT scan diagnosis in 42 patients. No correlation was found between CT scan findings and opening pressure.

MeSH terms

Atrophy
Brain / diagnostic imaging*
Brain / pathology
Brain Diseases / diagnostic imaging
Contraindications
Emergency Service, Hospital
Humans
Intracranial Pressure
Retrospective Studies
Spinal Puncture*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed*