10 Questions
What is the purpose of performing a noncontrast CT head in patients with suspected acute stroke?
To rule out intracerebral hemorrhage and potential stroke mimics, and detect early signs of stroke
What does the presence of hyperdense occluded vessels, such as the hyperdense MCA sign, indicate in a noncontrast CT head?
Acute thromboembolic occlusion of the MCA
What imaging findings may be observed in a noncontrast CT head within 2 hours of an ischemic stroke event?
No signs of infarction, hyperdense occluded vessels in large artery occlusion
What changes might be visible in a noncontrast CT head 12-24 hours after an ischemic stroke event?
Hypodense parenchyma becoming more clearly demarcated, loss of gray-white matter differentiation, effacement of sulci
What might be seen in a noncontrast CT head 3-5 days after an ischemic stroke event?
Maximum extent of edema and mass effect
How do chronic infarcts typically appear in a noncontrast CT head?
Hypodense and well-demarcated, with negative mass effect
Why might infarctions in the cerebellum and brainstem be harder to detect with a noncontrast CT head?
They may be harder to visualize due to the imaging characteristics of those regions
When might early signs of cytotoxic edema be observed on a noncontrast CT head following an ischemic stroke event?
Within 6 hours after the event
What is the significance of effacement of the sulci in a noncontrast CT head after an ischemic stroke event?
Obscuring of the lateral sulcus due to cortical swelling
How do evolving ischemic changes over time typically appear in a noncontrast CT head?
They may progress from no visible signs to distinctive features like hyperdense occluded vessels
Learn about the indication, protocols, and findings of noncontrast CT head in patients with suspected acute stroke. This imaging technique helps rule out intracerebral hemorrhage, detect potential stroke mimics, and identify early signs of stroke.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
