Imaging of the Brain and Skull Flashcards
3 available modalities for skull and brain
Radiographs
CT
MRI
What are x-rays used for?
Sinusitis
When can ultrasound be used?
Until the fontanelles close
Under 3 months of age
3 sinuses
Frontal
Ethmoid
Maxillary
Epidural hematoma on CT
Arterial injury, associated with skull fractures
Biconvex, lemon shaped
Blood does not cross sutures!
Subdural hematoma on CT
Venous injury
Crescent shaped
Crosses suture lines
When would you use non-contrast?
First line imaging modality for all suspected acute intracranial pathology
Rapid, convenient and widely available
When would you use IV-contrast?
Used to visualize the arteries and venous structures and soft tissue masses (ex: suspected cancers)
Used in caution in patients with renal failure