Neuroimaging

Question 1

HAEMATOMA

i) what shape is an extradural? what classically causes it?
ii) what shape is a subdural haematoma? which group of patients does this classically affect? does it need heavy trauma?
iii) how may a sub arachnoid present? what is seen on imaging?

Answer 1

i) lens shaped
- classically caused by a blow to the side of the head
- LOC initially > HT formation > lucid for a period > blood builds up then strips dura from skull > haemmorhage

ii) subdural is crescent shaped
- classiclly affects elderly > bridging veins bleed after mild trauma

iii) sudden onset severe headache
- areas usually full of CSF are filled with blood on imaaging

Question 2

BLOOD IN BRAIN ON IMAGING

i) how does it appear acutely?
ii) how does it appear sub acute (few days-weeks)
iii) how does it appear chronically?
iv) what may happen if there is a further bleed into an old areas of bleeding?

Answer 2

i) hyperdense (white)
ii) isodense (darker)
iii) hypodense (dark)
iv) dark background with white bits (new blood) in

Question 3

ISCHAEMIC STROKE

i) what is there loss of initially?
ii) what is lost as time goes on (hours)?
iii) how does infarcted brain tissue look?

Answer 3

i) loss of sulci (filled with white blood not black CSF)
ii) loss of grey white differentiation
iii) dark > will be in pattern of arterial boundaries