Head computed tomographic measurement as a predictor of outcome in patients with subdural hematoma with cerebral edema.

Background: The ability to predict outcome in patients with cerebral edema is important because it can influence treatment strategy. We evaluated whether differences in head computed tomographic (CT) measurements in Hounsfield units (HU) of white matter and gray matter can be used as a predictor of outcome in patients with subdural hematoma with cerebral edema.

Methods: We evaluated 34 patients who had subdural hematoma with cerebral edema following acute closed head trauma and had undergone head CT within a few hours of admission.

Computed tomographic assessment of airflow obstruction in smoke inhalation injury: Relationship with the development of pneumonia and injury severity.

Purpose: The prediction of pulmonary deterioration in patients with smoke inhalation injury is important because this influences the strategy for patient management. We hypothesized that narrowing of the luminal bronchus due to bronchial wall thickening correlates to respiratory deterioration in smoke inhalation injury patients.

Methods: In a prospective observational study, all patients were enrolled at a single tertiary trauma and critical care center.

Spontaneous retroperitoneal bleeding: a case series.

Background: We experienced four Japanese patients with spontaneous retroperitoneal bleeding, a rare disease. We categorized the clinical characteristics of spontaneous retroperitoneal bleeding in these patients treated in our hospital and discuss the risk factors of spontaneous retroperitoneal bleeding.

Case Presentation: Three of the 4 patients did not have a bleeding tendency as indicated by laboratory data obtained at the time of retroperitoneal bleeding.