An Accounting of Pathology Found on Head Computed Tomography of Road Traffic Accident (Rta) Patients in Douala, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: RTA is a serious concern to many developing countries with its untoward effects on the economy.
In many African countries, this is due to recent invasion into transport system by motor cyclists.
Objectives: To evaluate head computed tomograms (CT) of RTA patients in Douala in order to account for
pathologies.
Setting: Polyclinic Bonanjo, Douala, Cameroon is a tertiary care hospital.
Methodology: A prospective study of non-contrast head CT of RTA patients from April to November 2009 was
done.
Results were evaluated with SSPS statistical version.
Results: A total of 94 Patients were studied constituting 20.84% of total number of CTs done for whatever
reason. Males were more affected than females, 62(65.96%) and 32(34.04%) respectively The highest incidence
of 22 cases (23.04%) was found in 50-59 age range with no gender difference. The next in incidence was 30-39
age range but unlike the former, a male to female ratio of 5:1 was observed. Highest percentage of cases
(26.59%) had normal brain CT scans. This could be false positive results since CT has a reduced sensitivity in
detecting diffuse axonal injury and brain concussion. The commonest observed pathology (19.14%) was brain
oedema.
Conclusion: RTA in Douala, Cameroon using the percentage of brain computed tomograms as an index is
common and needs government’s action.