99mTc-ECD Brain SPECT in Patients with Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome after Mild Head Injury and Normal Computed Tomography

Abstract

Background. Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) has been defined as a clinical state where 3 or more symptoms (such as headache, poor memory, insomnia, anxiety or dizziness, etc.) persist for more than 3 months after mild closed head trauma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential usefulness of 99mTc-ECD brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan in patients with PCS for more than 3 months and absence of morphological abnormalities on computed tomography (CT) scan after mild closed head injury. Methods. Our study included 48 patients (20 men and 28 women ranging in age from 21 to 75years) who suffered from persistent clinical complaints for more than 3 months after mild closed head trauma. The most common complaints were headache, poor memory, insomnia, anxiety and dizziness. However, brain CT scan was normal in all patients. All patients received 99mTc-ECD brain SPECT imaging. None of these patients had previous traumatic brain injury, CVA, psychiatric disorders or history of drug or alcohol abuse. Results. Sixteen patients had normal and 32 patients had abnormal 99mTc-ECD brain SPECT scans. Conclusions99m. Tc-ECD brain SPECT scanning is a useful imaging modality, as a complement to CT, for evaluating cerebral perfusion changes in morphologically intact brain regions in patients with persistent PCS following mild traumatic brain injury. (Mid Taiwan J Med 2002;7:14-20)