Rotterdam Computed Tomography Score to Predict Outcome in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

Abstract

Introduction In this article, we describe our experience of using Rotterdam computed tomography (CT) score at index admission to predict the outcome in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients.

Materials and Methods A total of 370 TBI patients admitted to the Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit, Narayana Medical College and Hospital, Andhra Pradesh, between January 2014 and December 2014 were evaluated. Based on availability of emergency CT scan, these patients' charts were reviewed prospectively. CT scan findings were quantified using Rotterdam CT classification (basal cistern, midline shift, and intraventricular blood/subarachnoid blood). Patient characteristic, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, Rotterdam CT classification, and outcome were analyzed. Correlation between Rotterdam CT classification at index admission and outcome at discharge from the hospital, alive or dead, was assessed.

Results The mean age of patients was 39.19 ± 15.18 years. Rotterdam CT score was significant (p < 0.001) with age, GCS score, and outcome but not significant with gender (p = 0.618). The outcome and individual components of Rotterdam CT classification were statistically significant.

Conclusion Increase in Rotterdam CT score was significantly associated with mortality at discharge. We suggest that it is possible to predict the outcome based on CT scan findings. However, the findings can have shortcomings, due to obvious reasons.

Keywords

Rotterdam score - computed tomography - traumatic brain injury - prognosis - outcome

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