Evaluation of the Correlation between Intracranial Pressures Measured by Schiotz Tonometer and Computed Tomography Scan Findings in Craniotomy Patients before Dura Opening

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Student of Medicine, School of Medicine AND Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background: We evaluated the correlation between intracranial pressure (ICP) measured by Schiotz tonometer and computed tomography (CT) scan findings in craniotomy patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in Alzahra Hospital in Isfahan from 2010 to 2011. We included the elective craniotomy patients aged 18-64 years with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II. After being evaluated by CT scan, ICP was studied with Schiotz tonometer in Burr hole before dura opening. Findings: 58 patients (mean age: 44.37 ± 11.53 years) scheduled for elective craniotomy were included in the study. There were 36 males (62.1%) and 22 females (37.9%). The results showed significant correlation between ICP measured by Schiotz tonometer and by CT scan (r = 0.913, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that Schiotz tonometer could consider as a safe and reliable alternative to CT scan in ICP evaluation. Keywords: Intracranial pressure, Schiotz tonometer, X-ray computed tomography