neurorad notes from Dr. Hall

Question 1

structures that will normally enhance in the brain

Answer 1

choroid plexus, pituitary stalk, dura, blood vessels

Question 2

What are Perivascular spaces?

Answer 2

also known as Virchow-Robin spaces, are pial-lined interstitial fluid-filled spaces in the brain that surround perforating vessels

Question 3

How to tell the difference between air and fat om brain imaging?

Answer 3

Air is much more hypointense than fat on bone window

Question 4

Characteristics of a high grade astrocytoma (4). Contrast this with a low grade astrocytoma?

Answer 4

Tends to rupture → hemorrhage
Leaky blood brain barrier → vasogenic edema
Neovascularity → enhances with contrast
Necrotic appearing

low grade astrocytoma: are infiltrative and follow white matter tracks

Question 5

What are arachnoid granulation?

Answer 5

are small protrusions of the arachnoid mater (the thin second layer covering the brain) into the outer membrane of the dura mater (the thick outer layer). They protrude into the dural venous sinuses of the brain, and allow cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to exit the subarachnoid space and enter the blood stream