Computed Tomography (CT Brain) Flashcards
7 cards from real Computed Tomography Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Computed Tomography (CT Brain) flashcards as text
On CT brain, the normal Hounsfield unit (HU) range for white matter is approximately:
Answer: 20–30 HU
White matter typically measures 20–30 HU, slightly lower than gray matter (30–40 HU) due to its higher myelin lipid content.
A ring-enhancing lesion in the brain on post-contrast CT with surrounding edema in an immunocompromised patient most likely represents:
Answer: Toxoplasma abscess
Toxoplasmosis is the most common ring-enhancing lesion in immunocompromised (HIV/AIDS) patients, presenting as multiple ring-enhancing lesions.
Which type of brain herniation is characterized by downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum on CT?
Answer: Tonsillar herniation
Tonsillar herniation occurs when increased posterior fossa pressure drives the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum, compressing the brainstem.
On CT brain, 'sulcal effacement' in one hemisphere most likely indicates:
Answer: Cerebral edema causing compression of sulci
Sulcal effacement occurs when edema or a mass expands the brain hemisphere, compressing and obliterating normal cortical sulci.
A CT of the head shows enlargement of all four ventricles with periventricular hypodensity. The most likely diagnosis is:
Answer: Communicating hydrocephalus with transependymal edema
Communicating hydrocephalus causes symmetric dilation of all ventricles and periventricular hypodensity from transependymal CSF migration.
The 'salt and pepper' or 'stippled' calcification pattern seen within a brain tumor on CT is most characteristic of:
Answer: Oligodendroglioma
Oligodendrogliomas classically show fine stippled or 'salt and pepper' calcifications on CT in up to 90% of cases.
On CT brain, the falx cerebri normally appears:
Answer: Mildly hyperdense relative to brain parenchyma
The falx cerebri is a dural reflection that appears mildly hyperdense on CT due to its fibrous dural composition and sometimes calcification.