Outcome of Pediatric Patients with Traumatic Basal Ganglia Hematoma: Analysis of 21 Cases

Objectives: To analyze the outcome of a pediatric population with traumatic basal ganglia hematoma (TBGH). Methodology: Patients <15 years of age with TBGH were studied for mode of injury, severity of injury on admission, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score on admission, radiology, intervention and overall outcome. Observations: Twenty-one patients (male: female = 4: 1) with a mean age of 7.2 +/- 3.7 years (range 0.33-15 years) were studied. High-velocity trauma (52%) followed by fall from height (38%) were the leading causes. Seventy-six percent of the patients had severe head injury. The mean GCS score on admission was 6.0 +/- 2.5 (range 3-12), while the mean GCS score of the group with severe head injury was 4.81 +/- 1.7 (range 3-7). Eleven (52.4%) patients had isolated basal ganglia hematoma while 10 (47.6%) had other associated intracranial injuries. Only 3 patients required surgical interventions. Eleven patients (52.4%) expired during their hospital stay. At discharge, 9 (42.9%) had a poor, nonfunctional outcome (Glasgow outcome scale, GOS 2, 3). Conclusion: The severity of head injuries and GCS score on admission mainly determined the ultimate outcome in pediatric TBGH. The mode of injury or associated intracranial injuries did not change the outcome. The presence of TBGH in severely head-injured patients worsens the prognosis and outcome. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel