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Computed tomography (CT) of the head is a quick and accurate examination enabling precise imaging of intracranial structures. It is used both in the diagnosis of diseases of the central nervous system, as well as the facial skeleton and paranasal sinuses. If you have just received a head CT result and you don’t know what it means, then I invite you to read this article.
The aim of the article is to present the most common terms used in the descriptions of research results and at the same time cause many difficulties in understanding to people who are not professionally related to the medical environment.
Computed tomography of the head – indications
The most common indications for performing a computed tomography of the head are:
- head injuries,
- suspicion of a neoplastic disease,
- suspicion of malformations in children,
- inflammation of unknown etiology,
- stroke,
- intracranial hemorrhage,
- dementia diseases.
Find out how a CT scan of the head works
Selected terms used in the description of computed tomography of the head
- Hypodense area in computed tomography of the head
Which means: the hypodense area in a CT scan is darker than its surroundings because it has a lower X-ray absorption coefficient.
Interpretation: lesions of this type are most often solid neoplastic lesions, including benign tumors, malignant neoplasms, and also cysts, abscesses and hemangiomas.
Also read: Types and symptoms of brain cancer
- Hyperdense area in computed tomography of the head
Which means: the hyperdense area in a CT scan is brighter than its surroundings because it has a higher X-ray absorption coefficient.
Interpretation: These types of lesions are often calcified lesions, including calcium deposits in the arteries, calcified lymph nodes, and neoplasms (including osteomas). Hematomas, i.e. freshly extravasated blood, are also a hyperdense change in computed tomography.
- Arachnoid cyst in computed tomography of the head
Which means: it is an encysted fluid reservoir formed in one of the meninges – the arachnoid.
Interpretation: small, asymptomatic cysts are only periodically monitored. Larger cysts showing pressure symptoms require treatment.
- Choroidal cyst in computed tomography of the head
Which means: just like in the case of an arachnoid cyst, it is an encysted fluid reservoir formed in one of the meninges – the choroid.
Interpretation: small, asymptomatic cysts are only periodically monitored. Larger cysts showing pressure symptoms require treatment.
- Focal change in computed tomography of the head
What it means: a single change detected in the examination, it may be a solid tumor or a cyst, among others.
Interpretation: is a very general statement, it may indicate a malignant as well as a benign lesion.
Brain tumor symptoms. Seven warning signs you must pay attention to
- Pathological accumulation of contrast in computed tomography of the head
Which means: it often indicates active bleeding or a hematoma, and the presence of a tumor that is highly vascularized.
- Asymmetrical ventricular system in computed tomography of the head
What it means: asymmetry may result from the presence of structures that oppress the brain and cause its structures to shift.
Interpretation: such structures may include, but are not limited to, cancerous tumors and hematomas.
Find out how to diagnose intracranial hematomas
- Features of intracranial bleeding in computed tomography of the head
What they mean: first of all, they can be observed by performing a contrast test – you can see the extravasated contrast in the brain.
Interpretation: Intracranial bleeding is a dangerous, often life-threatening condition, most often caused by an injury to or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain.
- Vascular changes in computed tomography of the head
What they mean: they indicate local ischemia of the brain tissue as a result of pathologies within the blood vessels.
Check also: Dangerous trailer of cancer
Interpretation: ischemia most often results from an obstruction of a blood vessel caused by embolism or vasculitis.
- Widened ventricular system in computed tomography of the head
What it means: expansion of the brain’s fluid spaces, especially the lateral ventricles, most often results from abnormal resorption of the cerebrospinal fluid or obstacles to its flow, as well as from the physiological degenerative process and atrophy of the brain tissue.
- Cerebral cortex atrophy in computed tomography of the head
Which means: it most often results from neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.
Interpretation: manifested by a decrease in mental performance, memory problems, emotional disorders or disturbed consciousness.
Find out more about the causes of memory and intellect disorders
- Thickening of the mucosa in the sinuses on computed tomography of the head
Which means: it can occur in the maxillary, frontal or sphenoid sinus as well as in ethmoid cells, it results from chronic sinus mucosa inflammation.
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