Head CT Reading 2 Flashcards
Intra-axial lesions are most commonly _______ and _________ rather than benign. In general, a single intra-axial lesion which enhances post-contrast is most likely to be a primary malignant mass (______), whereas multiple intra-axial lesions are usually __________.
Intra-axial lesions are most commonly NEOPLASTIC and MALIGNANT rather than benign. In general, a single intra-axial lesion which enhances post-contrast is most likely to be a primary malignant mass (GLIOMA), whereas multiple intra-axial lesions are usually METASTATIC.
The most common extra-axial masses are located in close proximity to a _________ ______ (___________).
The most common extra-axial masses are located in close proximity to a MENINGEAL SURFACE (MENINGIOMAS).
An important differential diagnosis of a ring enhancing mass is _________ ________.
An important differential diagnosis of a ring enhancing mass is _________ ________.
Interpret the scan: patient presented with clinical features similar to acute stroke and a recent hx of worsening postural headaches.
Large irregular-shaped area of low density is seen in the right hemisphere.
-mass effect is present: effacement of the sulci, lateral ventricle and basal cisterns
Glioma patient post Contrast: interpret the scan
There is “ring enhancement” of an irregular-shaped mass.
-central low density due to necrosis
-surrounding low density due to edema
**Cerebral abscesses have similar enhancement characteristics and should be considered as a DD of a ring enhancing lesion
Patient with a known dx of lung CA. Interpret the post-contrast image on the next slide.
Post-contrast images shows ring enhancement of the lesions.
Characteristics of meningiomas:
-large mass that __________ following contrast
-large area of _____ seen adjacent to the mass
-mass makes broad contact with the ____________.
-there is tapering of thr mass to a point of the meningeal surface, a _____ ____.
Characteristics of meningiomas:
-large mass that ENHANCES following contrast
-large area of EDEMA seen adjacent to the mass
-mass makes broad contact with the MENINGES.
-there is tapering of thr mass to a point of the meningeal surface, a DURAL TAIL.
Interpret the post-contrast image.
Large left-sided mass arising off the falx that that enhances brightly post-contrast with presence of a dural tail.
Intracranial pathological processes may cause displacement or compression of the brain: ____ _______.
This can be caused by intracranial ______, __________, and _____.
Intracranial pathological processes may cause displacement or compression of the brain: MASS EFFECT.
This can be caused by intracranial MASSES, HEMORRHAGE, and EDEMA.
A space-occupying lesion below the level of this CT slice is causing ____ ______ with effactment of the _____ over the whole left cerebral hemisphere.
A space-occupying lesion below the level of this CT slice is causing MASS EFFECT with effactment of the SULCI over the whole left cerebral hemisphere.
Interpret the scan
Small right intracerebral bleed with surrounding edema and effacement of the adjacent sulci and partial effacement of the adjacent lateral ventricle. Left hemisphere structures appear normal.
Interpret the scan
Intracerebral tumor (glioma) causing mass effect along with surrounding edema. The right hemisphere sulci are effaced, and the right lateral ventricle is totally effaced. (Structures normally found in the midline are deviated to the contralateral side).
Interpret the scan
Large acute left subdural hematoma causing severe mass effect. The left hemisphere sulci and lateral ventricle are effaced. The midline structures are shifted to the right. The contralateral sulci are effaced. The right lateral ventricle is distorted–effaced anterior horn and focal Hydrocephalus of the posterior horn.
Interpret the scan
The large mass effect in the right cerebral hemisphere causes mass effect. The adjacent sulci and lateral ventricle are effaced. The basal cisterns are also effaced.
Name the color-coded regions of the brain.
