288 Pioneer Computed Tomographic Examinations in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is a cross sectional imaging tool that has dramatically improved diagnosis. Its increasing availability was recently extended to University of Uyo teaching hospital (UUTH), Uyo, Nigeria. Aim: Evaluating pioneer CT examinations in UUTH, Uyo. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of all CT examinations conducted after the installation of the 16 slice Activion Toshiba, 2009 CT scanner. Period studied was from 4th November, 2012 to 9th August, 2013. Some CT scans were done with intravenous contrast with/without oral contrast. Demographic data, clinical presentations, type of examination and positive radiological features were extracted from records of all computed tomograms. Results were analysed with SSPS 13 computer package. Results: 288 Patients were studied but 281 with adequate demographic data were analyzed. Of this number, 56.6% (n=159) were males and 43.4% (n=122) were females giving M: F ratio of 1.3:1. The largest male and female studied populations were 10.3% (n=29) in 50-59 age range and 8.2% (n=9) in 40-49 respectively. The commonest examination was cranio-cerebral 62.5% (n=180), followed by abdomino-pelvic CT 3.5% (n=10). The commonest indication for cranio-cerebral CT was trauma (20%) followed by cerebro-vascular accident (CVA) 16.1%. Normal brain CT were 33 (18.3%) , whereas unrelated CT brain findings were 29 (16.1%). 11.4% (n=33) of 288 patients who underwent CT were candidates for test-running the machine (male to female ratio 1.12: 1) at no cost to the patient. Conclusions: The commonest CT examinations in Uyo, Nigeria are cranio-cerbral with the commonest indications being trauma and CVA.