Novel Predictive Markers on Computed Tomography for Predicting Early Epidural Hematoma Growth in Pediatric Patients

Objective Epidural hematoma (EDH), most often caused by rupture of the middle meningeal artery secondary to head trauma with fracture of the temporal bone, is a potentially fatal condition that can lead to elevated intracranial pressure, herniation, and death within hours following the inciting traumatic incident, unless surgical evacuation is accomplished. Several markers have been found to be associated with hematoma expansion in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients, including: the CT Blend Sign, Swirl Sign, and Black Hole Sign. This study aims to examine these markers, along with intradural air close to or in the region of an EDH and/or close to a significant fracture, fractures involving the skull base, and complicated (i.e., comminuted or displaced) fractures for possible associations to EDH growth in the pediatric population. Predicting hematoma growth is a crucial part of patient management, as surgery can be a life-saving intervention. Methods Scans from all pediatric patients with EDH from 2012 to 2019 across two separate health systems were examined and measurements were taken to determine whether these additional factors are of predictive value. Specifications such as length, transverse, and height measurements were taken from CT images. Statistical Analysis The average percent change in the hematoma measurements was used to determine which predictive factors were associated with a “noteworthy increase,” namely, an increase of greater than 25%. Additionally, the average percent change in hematoma size was evaluated for patients whose original imaging showed either all three CT signs or intradural air in all three specified locations. Results Most of the proposed markers were associated with EDH growth in this cohort. The established CT signs were also supported. This is notable, as most of the research on these signs has been in adult populations rather than pediatric. Conclusions Adding these novel imaging signs could aid in the decision to operate on versus observe PEDH patients, thereby preventing unnecessary procedures or preserving brain function quickly when surgery is indicated. This study serves as a starting point for several other investigations into the validity of the proposed markers as well as a reevaluation of the current signs in the pediatric population.