Noncontrast head CT takes on small hyperdensities

In the emergency room, noncontrast head CT scans often reveal hyperdensities that could represent small parenchymal hemorrhages or calcifications. Much of the time, but not always, the two can be differentiated by morphology and location. But is the standard practice of waiting six hours to repeat the head CT scan to assess stability the best way to solve the remaining mysteries?

In their pilot study, researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital put the task to dual-energy CT and a new postprocessing algorithm by modifying the brain hemorrhage three-material decomposition application to distinguish between calcium and hemorrhage.

They found that the postprocessing algorithm showed promise in distinguishing calcium and hemorrhage, presenter Dr. Christopher Potter wrote in an email to AuntMinnie.com.

"This has the potential to increase diagnostic confidence and decrease the need for repeat CT and emergency department wait time in these cases," Potter stated.