[MR imaging of associated brain injuries in cases with acute extradural hematoma].

To assess the efficacy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for detection of associated brain injuries in cases with extradural hematoma (EDH), 32 patients of EDH were examined by MR. CT detected associated lesion in eleven patients (34%), while MR detected them in 24 patients (75%). MR is more sensitive than CT in detecting associated lesions, especially when T2 weighted imaging is used. Non-hemorrhagic contusions adjacent to EDH, and near the cranial base were well shown by MR, however they tended to be missed by CT. EEG findings were clearly related to abnormalities detected by MR. Coupling between functional change and organic change was confirmed. The improved detection and anatomic localization of associated brain injuries by MR should allow more accurate assessment of brain injuries, and sophisticated management of EDH patient. The authors also discussed on the cardiorespiratory monitoring and support during MRI examination in critically ill patients.