Preliminary Diagnosis: Intracerebral Hemorrhage
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis
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Noncontrast CT of the brain
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of an intracerebral hemorrhage.
Advantages
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Relatively inexpensive and more efficient and faster imaging modality compared to MR imaging
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Very specific and sensitive in evaluating for intracerebral hemorrhage
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Great at evaluating for any associated osseous abnormality
Disadvantages
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Exposes patients to ionizing radiation
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
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Contraindicated in pregnant patients
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
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MR imaging according to trauma/hemorrhage protocol
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of an intracerebral hemorrhage.
MR imaging according to trauma/hemorrhage protocol
Advantages
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More sensitive and specific for detecting subtle petechial intra axial hemorrhages and extra -axial hemorrhages of all varieties and sizes than CT
Disadvantages
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Expensive
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Time consuming
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Requires significant patient cooperation to minimize artifact
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
MR imaging according to Trauma/Hemorrhage protocol
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Contraindicated in patients with non MR compatible hardware.
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