Radiographic Findings in Cerebral Palsy Children Presenting to Mardan Medical Complex

Abstract

Background: Cerebral palsy is a permanent disorder of movement and posture caused by non-progressive brain injury. Children with cerebral palsy display different types of neurological problems as well as radiographic abnormalities. However, there is limited information available about radiographic findings in children with cerebral palsy in the Mardan area. Objective: To determine the radiographic findings in children with cerebral palsy presenting to Mardan Medical Complex. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: This study was conducted from 1st September 2024 to 1st March 2025 in Department of Pediatrics, Mardan Medical Complex Mardan. Methodology: Total 106 children aged 1 to 12 years with cerebral palsy were included. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of brain were performed using standard pediatric neuroimaging protocols. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation while categorical variables were presented as frequency and percentage. Results: Mean age of children was 6.96±3.46 years and mean weight was 23.34±7.72 kg. Males were 66 (62.3%) and females were 40 (37.7%). On computed tomography, diffuse brain atrophy was seen in 56 (52.80%), cerebral hypodensities in 48 (45.30%), parenchyma calcifications in 11 (10.40%) and malformations in 8 (7.50%). On magnetic resonance imaging, white matter damage of immaturity was present in 45 (42.50%), basal ganglia damage in 14 (13.20%), cortical subcortical damage in 10 (9.40%) and focal infarct in 8 (7.50%). Conclusion: Radiographic imaging shows important structural brain abnormalities in children with cerebral palsy.