Reading intracranial bleed on CT scan - a bedside tip!
Intracranial bleed (ICH) on CT scan appears as an area of increased attenuation which usually remains present on scan for about 7-10 days. This may be of importance to know that the increased density of blood in relation to the surrounding parenchyma of the brain relates to the hemoglobin protein contained in extravasated blood. So, in severely anemic patients, you may have to look carefully for acute bleed as it may deceive you and may appear isodense or hypodense to the surrounding brain parenchyma.
Following is a normal appearance of ICH.
Intracranial bleed (ICH) on CT scan appears as an area of increased attenuation which usually remains present on scan for about 7-10 days. This may be of importance to know that the increased density of blood in relation to the surrounding parenchyma of the brain relates to the hemoglobin protein contained in extravasated blood. So, in severely anemic patients, you may have to look carefully for acute bleed as it may deceive you and may appear isodense or hypodense to the surrounding brain parenchyma.
Following is a normal appearance of ICH.
