Brain tumor CT: Difference between revisions
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==CT== | ==CT== | ||
Benign brain tumors often show up as hypodense (darker than brain tissue) mass lesions on cranial CT-scans. [[Contrast agent]] uptake, sometimes in characteristic patterns, can be demonstrated on either CT or MRI-scans in most malignant primary and metastatic brain tumors. This is due to the fact that these tumors disrupt the normal functioning of the [[blood-brain barrier]] and lead to an increase in its [[permeability]]. | *Benign brain tumors often show up as hypodense (darker than brain tissue) mass lesions on cranial CT-scans. [[Contrast agent]] uptake, sometimes in characteristic patterns, can be demonstrated on either CT or MRI-scans in most malignant primary and metastatic brain tumors. This is due to the fact that these tumors disrupt the normal functioning of the [[blood-brain barrier]] and lead to an increase in its [[permeability]]. | ||
*Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have complementary roles in the diagnosis of CNS neoplasms.<ref> Hutter A, Schwetye KE, Bierhals AJ, et al.: Brain neoplasms: epidemiology, diagnosis, and prospects for cost-effective imaging. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 13 (2): 237-50, x-xi, 2003. </ref> <ref> Ricci PE: Imaging of adult brain tumors. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 9 (4): 651-69, 1999. </ref>The speed of CT is desirable for evaluating clinically unstable patients. CT is superior for detecting calcification, skull lesions, and hyperacute hemorrhage (bleeding less than 24-hours old) and helps direct differential diagnosis as well as immediate management. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 13:57, 20 August 2015
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Brain tumor Microchapters |
Overview
Imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis of brain tumors. Early imaging methods—invasive and sometimes dangerous—such as pneumoencephalography and cerebral angiography, have been abandoned in recent times in favor of non-invasive, high-resolution modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) and especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
CT
- Benign brain tumors often show up as hypodense (darker than brain tissue) mass lesions on cranial CT-scans. Contrast agent uptake, sometimes in characteristic patterns, can be demonstrated on either CT or MRI-scans in most malignant primary and metastatic brain tumors. This is due to the fact that these tumors disrupt the normal functioning of the blood-brain barrier and lead to an increase in its permeability.
- Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have complementary roles in the diagnosis of CNS neoplasms.[1] [2]The speed of CT is desirable for evaluating clinically unstable patients. CT is superior for detecting calcification, skull lesions, and hyperacute hemorrhage (bleeding less than 24-hours old) and helps direct differential diagnosis as well as immediate management.