Understanding Clinical Indications for CT Head with Contrast

What are the clinical indications for a CT Head with contrast?

1) Evaluation of intracranial hemorrhage

2) Diagnosis of brain tumors

3) Detection of cerebrospinal fluid leaks

4) Assessment of skull fractures

Answer:

A CT Head with contrast is a diagnostic procedure used mostly for the diagnosis of brain tumors, detection of cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and evaluation of intracranial hemorrhages but not typically for the assessment of skull fractures.

The clinical indication for a CT Head with contrast comprises several diagnostic evaluations. Presently, it is extensively used for soft tissue scanning, including the thoracic, abdominal viscera, and brain. In the context of the options provided, a CT Head with contrast is primarily used for the diagnosis of brain tumors. The detail level of a CT scan allows physicians to measure the size of the tumor precisely. The CT scan exposes patients to a radiation dose higher than X-rays, but the advantages of detailed diagnostic information are often considered to outweigh this risk.

Cerebrospinal fluid leaks and intracranial hemorrhages are also often diagnosed with CT Head with contrast. It facilitates accurate detection and evaluation, due to its ability in visualizing different tissue densities at different rates. However, assessment of skull fractures using CT Head with contrast might not be the best option, as other imaging techniques such as plain X-rays or digital radiographs could provide more exact information about the extent and location of the fracture, with very less radiation exposure.