CT findings of subdural hematoma
Feb 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guan Yanlei
Introduction
The CT findings of subdural hematoma vary depending on the stage, mainly classified as acute, subacute, or chronic phases. If the patient is within 3 days of developing a subdural hematoma, the CT scan may reveal a crescent-shaped hyperdense shadow beneath the inner table of the skull. Patients should receive targeted treatment under the guidance of a physician.
CT findings of subdural hematoma vary depending on the stage, mainly classified as acute, subacute, or chronic phases.
1. Acute phase
If the patient is within 3 days of developing a subdural hematoma, CT scans may reveal a crescent-shaped hyperdense shadow beneath the inner table of the skull, with relatively uniform density. This primarily results from bridging vein injury and can extend across cranial sutures.
2. Subacute or chronic phase
If the subdural hematoma has persisted for 4 to 21 days or longer than 21 days, CT imaging typically shows hyperdense, isodense, hypodense, or mixed-density shadows. Usually, the upper portion of the hematoma appears hypodense, while the lower part gradually increases in density, changing in shape from an initial crescent to a biconvex appearance. Additionally, enhancement of the cortex and veins distant from the inner table of the skull may be observed, along with continuous or fragmented linear enhancement of the hematoma capsule.
Patients should receive targeted treatment under medical guidance to prevent complications such as intellectual developmental delay, physical disability, or speech dysfunction.
