Post by @FTeranmd
Using a systematic approach when reading a brain CT will make you a better doctor
Because you only see what you’re looking for. Don’t believe?
watch: http://goo.gl/6sIZ9x
A simplified and systematic approach to the evaluation of non-contrast brain CT for the Emergency Physycian
“Blood Can Be Very Bad”
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B: blood:
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Epidural hematoma
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Subdural hematoma
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Intraparenchymal hemorrhage
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Subarachnoid hemorrhage
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Intraventricular hemorrhage
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C: cisterns (presence of blood, effacement and asymmetry)
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Circummesencephalic (ring around the midbrain)
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Suprasellar (star-shaped, location of circle of Willis)
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Quadrigeminal (W-shaped at top of midbrain)
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Sylvian (between temporal and frontal lobes)
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B: brain
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Assess for asymmetry or effacement of the sulcal pattern
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Hypodensities or hyperdensities
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Gray-white matter differentiation (early sign of ischemic stroke)
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V: ventricles
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Hydrocephalus
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Blood
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Ventricular effacement /shift
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B: bone (make sure you change to bone widow)
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Skull fractures
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Pneumocephalus
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Reference: FERNE / EMRA 2009 Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medicine Medical Student Symposium:
ABCs of Head CT Interpretation; Heather M. Prendergast MD, MPH.