Computerised tomographic patterns in patients with head injury at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital

Background: Head injuries rank high among morbidities due to trauma. Computerised tomography is an important modality in the investigation of these cases. However, literature on this subject in the south.south geopolitical zone of Nigeria is sparse. This study therefore aimed to document the computerized tomographic features of patients with head injury managed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).Materials and Methods: A prospective study involving patients with head injury referred for CT scan from the Accident and Emergency Unit of UBTH over a 12.month period. A total of 100 patients were studied, using non.enhanced cranial CT scans. Findings were recorded and data analysis using SPSS done.Results: The age group 21.30 years was most frequently involved. Sex preponderance was 4.3:1 (male: female). Twenty.six patients had normal CT scans. The most common abnormal finding was intracerebral hemorrhage 35 cases (33%). This was followed by skull fractures, 23 cases (31%); subdural hemorrhage, 16 cases (21%); cerebral edema, 11 cases (15%). Others included mass effect, nine cases (12%).Conclusion: CT plays a very significant role in management of head injuries, as demonstrated in this study, by making such diagnoses that guided eventual patient management. Intracerebral hemorrhage was the most common abnormal finding in this report. Regular use of CT in moderate to severe cases of head injury is advocated.Key words: Benin City, computerized tomography, head injur

Malignant transformation of long standing goitre in a female

Goitre is commonly benign, and although thyroid malignancy is rare, especially in our environment, it does occur as a primary or secondary malignancy. Distant metastasis of thyroid cancer is usually to the lungs and bone.A case of malignant transformation of a benign goitre is presented. The investigations, radiodiagnosis, and treatment are discussed. Early diagnosis, treatment and follow up of thyroid masses can go a long way in preserving the life of an individual. It is important for clinicians to have a high index of suspicion when dealing with a patient presenting with a thyroid mass, especially long standing cases with associated bone pains.Keywords: Goitre, malignant transformation, metastasi