Computed tomography scan of the brain in pediatric neurology practice--an 8-year experience.

Computerized tomography scans of the brain were retrospectively studied in 1,979 children. Abnormalities were found in 45.1% of the examinations. The most common radiologic findings were enlarged ventricles (28.1% of the examinations) and enlarged subarachnoid space (14.7%). Referral diagnosis associated with high rate of radiological abnormalities included: congenital anomalies (71.7% of radiological abnormalities), cerebral palsy (70.7%), central nervous system infection (60.9%), suspicion of brain tumor (58%), and psychomotor retardation (55.6%). On the other hand, convulsive disorders (34.4% of radiologic abnormalities), learning disabilities (15.9%), and headache (11%) were associated with a relatively low rate of radiologic abnormalities.