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Fifteen cervical spine CTs were performed (n=15/62 24%) demonstrating no acute bony injury. CT abdomen was acquired in approximately a quarter of the cohort (n=16/62, 26%), demonstrating abnormalities in 15 (24%). Non-cranial CT was acquired in 52% (n=32/62), of whom 19 (n=19/32 59%) also underwent CT brain. Cerebral oedema was present in 29% (n=18/62), with herniation in 10% (n=6/62). Almost half (n=28/62 45%) had intracranial haemorrhage, which was intra-axial in 36% (n=22/62), extra-axial in 34% (n=21/62) and both intra- and extra-axial in 23% (n=14/62). Craniofacial fractures were demonstrated in 60% (n=37), with involvement of the paranasal sinuses in 32% (n=20) and the base of skull in 19% (n=12). Results: Sixty-two patients (n=62) with a median age of 25 years were included CT brain was acquired in 90% (n=56) and was abnormal in 68% (n=42).
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All advanced radiological investigations performed on CA victims at the time of admission were retrieved and analysed by patient demographics, imaging investigations and radiological findings. Methods: A retrospective study at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, from 1 January through 30 June 2013. The aim of this study was to review CA-related advanced radiological investigations and findings at a Level 1 South African Trauma Centre. There are limited CA-related imaging data. Background: Community assault (CA) has been increasing in certain Cape Town suburbs over the past decade.
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