Question
A 25-year-old male presents to the emergency department after a road traffic accident. He had a brief loss of consciousness followed by a lucid interval and then developed worsening headache, vomiting, and decreased level of consciousness. CT scan of the head is performed. What is the most likely finding?
| A. |
Crescent-shaped hyperdensity
|
| B. |
Lentiform (biconvex) hyperdensity
|
| C. |
Star-shaped hypodensity
|
| D. |
Diffuse cerebral edema
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » B
Explanation
|
|
The key features—head trauma, lucid interval, and later consciousness decline—are classic for epidural hematoma (EDH).
Pathophysiology:
– Usually caused by rupture of the middle meningeal artery.
– Blood accumulates between the skull and dura mater.
– Rapid blood expansion → ↑ intracranial pressure.
CT findings:
– Biconvex (lentiform) hyperdense lesion.
– Does not cross suture lines.
– Well-defined margins.
Option-wise Explanation:
A. Crescent-shaped hyperdensity
– Seen in subdural hematoma.
– Caused by rupture of bridging veins.
– Crosses sutures.
– No classic lucid interval.
C. Star-shaped hypodensity
– Incorrect.
– Not a recognized intracranial hemorrhage pattern.
D. Diffuse cerebral edema
– Seen in severe traumatic brain injury & hypoxic injury.
– Not specific for epidural hematoma.
