How to report a CT – brain study


Item to be fulfilled:
Ventricular system
Mid line structures
Cerebral parenchyma
Posterior fossa structures 
Cortical sulci and extra axial CSF spaces
Para nasal sinuses 

Normal brain without contrast
Normal size and configuration of the ventricular system.
 No mid line shift.
 No intra cerebral or extra axial areas of abnormal attenuation values.
 Normal posterior fossa.
OR Normal appearance of the brain stem and cerebellum.
OR No evidence of posterior fossa abnormalities.
 Scanned para nasal sinuses are clear.

Normal brain with contrast 
Normal size and configuration of the ventricular system.
 No mid line shift.
 No intra cerebral or extra axial areas of abnormal attenuation values or 
    enhancing lesions.
 Normal posterior fossa.
OR Normal appearance of the brain stem and cerebellum.
OR No evidence of posterior fossa abnormalities.
 Scanned paranasal sinuses are clear.


 Normal Brain [Trauma]
Normal size and configuration of the ventricular system.
 No mid line shift.
 No intra cerebral or extra axial recent blood density.
Normal posterior fossa.
OR Normal appearance of the brain stem and cerebellum.
OR No evidence of posterior fossa abnormalities.
 Scanned paranasal sinuses are clear.
 No fracture lines seen.
NB If fractures are present mention the site (frontal, parietal, …) and type 
(fissure, depressed, comminuted,….). when subgalial hematoma is 
present it should be mentioned.

Normal Brain (Sinusitis)
 Normal size and configuration of the ventricular system.
 No mid line shift.
 No intra cerebral or extra axial areas of abnormal attenuation values.
 Normal posterior fossa.
OR Normal appearance of the brain stem and cerebellum.
OR No evidence of posterior fossa abnormalities.
 Partial or total opacification of …….sinuses by mucosal thickening  
      denoting sinusitis [mention the affected sinuses, maxillary, ethmoidal,…]

Normal Brain old age
Symmetrical dilatation of the ventricular system with prominence of the 
      extra axial CSF spaces.
 No mid line shift.
No intra cerebral or extra axial areas of abnormal attenuation values.
 Normal posterior fossa.
OR Normal appearance of the brain stem and cerebellum.
OR No evidence of posterior fossa abnormalities.
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear.

Abnormal Brain
To describe a lesion you should mention the following points:
Definition [well defined, ill- defined]
Shape [oval, rounded, irregular…]
Size [-----x------x------ cm in maximal AP, transverse and cranio caudal diameters respectively]
Site [intra axial, extra axial, frontal,parietal, …..]
Surrounding edema [If present]
Mass effect which includes 
effacement of the cortical sulci
Compression of the ventricle
Midline shift

 Intra cerebral hemorrhage
A well defined, oval shaped area of recent blood density is seen in the ------ 
     [mention the site, right or left, which part of the brain]
The lesion measures ----x ----x --- cm maximal AP, transverse and 
     craniocaudal diameters respectively.
The lesion exerts a mass effect in the form of effacement of the cortical 
      sulci  compression of the ipsilateral ventricle  contra lateral shift of the   
      midline structures.
Normal posterior fossa (if the lesion is not in the posterior fossa).
Scanned paranasal sinuses are clear. 

 Extraaxial hemorrhage
A well defined extra axial (elipitical or cresentric shaped) area of recent 
     blood density is seen in the -------[mention the site]
The lesion measures ----x ----x ----cm maximal AP, transverse and 
     craniocaudal diameters respectively.
 The lesion exerts a mass effect in the form of effacement of the cortical 
      sulci  compression of the ipsilateral ventricle  contra lateral shift of the   
      midline structures.
Normal posterior fossa (if the lesion is not in the posterior fossa).
Scanned paranasal sinuses are clear. 

 Sub arachnoids hemorrhage
Fresh blood density is seen smearing the cortical sulci and extra axial CSF 
      spaces  extension into the ventricular system also mention that the 
      ventricular system is dilated denoting the presence of communicating 
      hydrocephalus which is usually seen in cases of subarachnoid 
      hemorrhage.
  not included
Normal posterior fossa (if the lesion is not in the posterior fossa).
Scanned paranasal sinuses are clear. 

Brain infarction
 A well defined hypodense area is seen in -------[mention the site].
 Not included [we do not usually measure the size of the infarct]                             
 The lesion exerts a mass effect in the form of effacement of the cortical 
      sulci  compression of the ipsilateral ventricle  contra lateral shift of the   
      midline structures.
OR The lesion is associated with evacu dilatation of the adjacent 
ventricle and cortical sulci [in case of chronic infarction]
 No intra cerebral or extra axial recent blood density seen.
OR Foci of recent blood density are seen within the lesion [in case of hemorrhagic infarction]
 Normal posterior fossa [if the lesion is not in the posterior fossa].
 Scanned paranasal sinuses are clear.

 Lacunar infarction
 A small well defined hypodense focus is seen in the -------  exerting no 
      mass effect on adjacent structures, OR exerting subtle mass effect on the adjacent structures [if there is appreciable signs of mass effect].

NB In cases of multiple lesions we write 
Multiple well defined hypodense foci are seen in-------- [Examples: both cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum and brain stem,..] exerting no mass effect on adjacent structures.
 Normal size and configuration of the ventricular system with no midline   
       shift.
OR   Symmetrical dilation of the cerebral ventricles with prominence of extra axial CSF spaces [in old patients with brain atrophic changes]
No intra cerebral or extra axial recent blood density seen.
Normal posterior fossa [if the lesion is not in the posterior fossa].
 Scanned paranasal sinuses are clear.

Sub cortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy
 Exaggerated peri ventricular white matter hypodensity due to sub cortical  
     arteriosclertic changes.
 Normal size and configuration of the ventricular system with no midline 
     shift.
OR   Symmetrical dilation of the cerebral ventricles with prominence of 
extra axial CSF spaces [in old patients with brain atrophic changes]
 No intra cerebral or extra axial recent blood density seen.
 Normal posterior fossa [if the lesion is not in the posterior fossa].
 Scanned paranasal sinuses are clear

Space occupying lesion [tumor, abscess,…]
Points to be evaluated:
Definition (well defined, ill-defined)
Shape (rounded, oval, irregular, …)
Size----x ----x ----cm in maximal AP, transverse and cranio caudal diameters respectively
Site (frontal, temproparietal , …, brain stem, cerebellum,..)(Left or right).
Enhancement (no, homogenous, heterogenous, marginal, …)
Surrounding edema (if present)(grade I,II,III)
Grade I = hypodense area less than 2 cm around the lesion 
Grade II = hypodense area more than 2 cm but less than 1/2 the cerebral hemisphere in which the lesion is present.
Grade III = hypodense area more than 1/2 the cerebral hemisphere in which the lesion is present
Mass effect which includes: 
Effacement of the cortical sulci
Compression of the ventricle
Midline shift.
Meningioma 
 A well defined, oval shaped [or any other shape] space occupying lesion is   
       seen in the ------- (mention the anatomic site of the lesion) 
 The lesion measures  ----x ----x---cm in maximal AP, transverse and cranio 
     Caudal diameters respectively and shows homogenous pattern of  contrast
      enhancement.
  foci of matrix calcifications are seen within the lesion.
  localized reactive bone sclerosis is seen adjacent to the lesion.
 The lesion is surrounded by grade --- perifocal brain edema hypodensity. 
     The lesion and edema exert a  mass effect in the form of -------, --------, -----
 Normal posterior fossa (if the lesion is not in the posterior fossa).
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear 
OR  Scanned Para nasal sinuses showed mucosal thickening in the 
 ----,----- (mention the name of the affected sinuses ) denoting sinusitis.

Space occupying lesion
     Astrocytoma / Glioma 
 A well defined [or an ill – defined], ------[mention the shape of the lesion 
       oval, irregular,…]  shaped SOL is seen in the -----[mention the site of the 
       lesion]                                        
 If the lesion is not enhanced then write [Showing no evidence 
       of post contrast enhancement]
OR Showing heterogenous (or marginal) enhancement with central 
areas of  necrosis and breakdown.
OR The lesion is mainly cystic with an enhancing mural nodule measuring….cm in maximal transverse diameters [mention the measurement of the  nodule]
   The lesion is surrounded by grade --- perifocal brain edema hypodensity.  
        The lesion and edema exert a mass effect in the form of -------, --------, ---
 Normal posterior fossa (if the lesion is not in the posterior fossa).
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear 
OR Scanned Para nasal sinuses showed mucosal thickening in the  ----,------ (mention the name of the affected sinuses ) denoting sinusitis.

Space occupying lesion
Metastatic deposits
 Multiple well defined SOLs are seen in  --------[mention the site of the  
      lesions] [cerebral hemisphere, both hemisphere, cerebellum, brain stem,   
      infratentonial, supratentorial,  both……].
The lesions range in size between -------[the smallest lesion] and -------[the 
       largest lesion] and showed---------[mention the pattern of enhancement. 
       The largest lesion measures -----  x -----  cm in maximal diameters and is 
       located in ---- [mention the site of the largest lesion]. 
 The lesion is surrounded by grade --- perifocal brain edema hypodensity.    
      The lesion and edema exert a mass effect in the form of -------, --------, -----
 Normal posterior fossa [if no lesions in the posterior fossa].
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear 
OR Scanned Para nasal sinuses showed mucosal  thickening in the --,------ (mention the name of the affected sinuses ) denoting sinusitis.
NB     A solitary metastatic deposit (a patient known to have primary 
malignancy is described in the same way as glioma).

Cyst
A well defined cystic hypodense SOL is seen in the ------(mention the site of 
      the lesion).
Ex. Arachnoid cyst is usually present in the inferior temporal region 
    against the greater wing of the sphenoid bone.             
Ex. Epidermoid cyst is usually located in the cerebellopontine angle.
Ex. Dermoid cyst is usually located in the midline and contains fat. 
As above (note that most of the cysts do not enhance, then write showing 
      no evidence of post contrast enhancement)
Also note thet some cysts show matrix calcifications, then you have to mention that foci of matrix calcifications are seen within the lesion.
NB     in cases of colloid cyst, you can say 
A well defined hyperdense SOL is seen in the midline plane in the region of the anterior part of the 3rd ventricle. Then mention the size and say showing no evidence of post contrast enhancement.
 Most of the cysts are not surrounded by edema, but they  exert a mass's 
effect, then you have to mention the  manifestation of the mass effect in the form of ------, -----, ------.

NB Colloid cyst may be associated with hydrocephalus due to compression of the foramina of monro.
NB In cases of dermoid cysts please look for fat globules in the 
subarachnoid spaces (sulci, fissures, cisterns) as well as in the 
ventricles. If they are present this means that the cyst has ruptured into 
the subarachnoid space.

NB Hydatid cyst is described following the steps mentioned  for glioma.

NB In cases of porencephalic cyst you should mention it's communication 
with the ventricular system.
 Normal posterior fossa [if no lesions in the posterior fossa].
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear 
OR Scanned Para nasal sinuses showed mucosal  thickening in the --,------ (mention the name of the affected sinuses ) denoting sinusitis.

 Space occupying lesion
Acostic neuroma 
 A well defined SOL is seen in the ------- [left or right] cerebello- pontine 
     angle region extending inside the adjacent internal auditory canal which is 
     widened [or not]
The lesion measures ---- x  ---- in maximal transverse diameters and shows  
       homogenous or heterogenous pattern of contrast enhancement.   
       The lesion is associated [or not] with widening ± pressure erosion of the 
       ipsilateral internal auditory canal.
 Usually there is no edema around the lesions, but there is a mass effect .
 Not mentioned because the lesion is located in the posterior fossa then 
       you  can say
* No supratentorial extension (in cases with large lesions).
OR * No supratentorial abnormality seen 
OR * Supratentorial hydrocephalic changes are seen secondary to 
  compression of the 4th ventricle by the lesion.
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear 
OR Scanned Para nasal sinuses showed mucosal  thickening in the --,------ (mention the name of the affected sinuses ) denoting sinusitis.
Space occupying lesion
     Crainiopharyngioma 
 A well defined partly cystic and partly solid SOL is seen in the supra sellar 
     area with it's main bulk exactly in the midline plane [or slightly to the left or 
     right of the midline]
 The lesion measures ---- x  ---- in maximal transverse diameters and   
       shows homogenous or heterogenous pattern of contrast enhancement.   

NB Note that the enhancement in craniopharyngioma is variable, the cystic component usually shows marginal or no enhancement while the solid component usually showed homogenous or heterogenous
enhancement with dense foci of calcification usually present.           
 Usually there is no edema, but mass effect is usually present in the form of  
    compression of the 3rd  ventricle with consequent obstructive hydrocephalic  
    changes of both lateral ventricles. 

NB    The lesion may extend inside the sella [best seen in coronal images]or 
may extend into the para sellar area or even into the posterior fossa via 
the pre pontine cistern  (rare)… These extension should be mentioned 
 Normal posterior fossa. If the lesion has extended into the posterior fossa   
      then you  can say * No evidence of cerebellar or brain stem parenchymal 
      lesions
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear 
OR Scanned Para nasal sinuses showed mucosal  thickening in the --,------ (mention the name of the affected sinuses ) denoting sinusitis.






Space occupying lesion
Suprasellar meningioma, dermoid, ….. 
are described following the steps mentioned for craniopharengioma with careful attention to the difference in the enhancement pattern and the degree of mass effect as well as the variable extensions.

Space occupying lesions 
Intrasellar pituitary adenoma
 A well defined intrasellar SOL is seen extending (or not) into the supra   
    sellar cistern.
 The lesion measures ----x ----x ---- cm in maximal diameter and shows -----
      pattern of enhancement [mention the type of enhancement].

NB The extensions of the lesion should be mentioned in details specially the supra sellar extension with obliteration of the suprasellar cistern [if present best seen in the coronal images], compression of the hypothalamus [ is known if the 3rd ventricle is compressed, if not this possibility is better assessed by MRI]
Also extension into the cavernous sinuses and affection of the internal carotid arteries.

NB Intrasellar extension with erosion of the sellar floor and invasion of the 
sphenoid sinus usually indicate that this adenoma is invasive.

 Usually there is no edema, but mass effect is usually present in the form of  
    compression of the 3rd  ventricle with consequent obstructive hydrocephalic  
    changes of both lateral ventricles. 
 If there is no retrosellar extension, you mention that the posterior fossa  
      structures are normal
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear 
OR Scanned Paranasal sinuses showed mucosal  thickening in the --,------ (mention the name of the affected sinuses ) denoting sinusitis.
NB In cases of microadenoma you can say 
 A well defined small focal lesion is seen within the ----- (left or right) aspect 
      of the pituitary gland.
 The lesion usually shows less enhancement compared o the normal 
       pituitary tissue and may be associated with the following:
Focal contour bulge  of the superior or inferior surface of the pituitary gland (best seen in coronal images).
Deviation of the infundibular stalk to the opposite (or may be to the same side)(also seen in coronal images).
 The lesion is totally enclosed within the sella with no extrasellar extensions, no 
      edema, and no mass effect.
 Mention that the cerebral parenchyma and ventricles  
     appear normal with no midline shift, also mention that the posterior fossa   
      structures are normal
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear 
OR Scanned Para nasal sinuses showed mucosal  thickening in the --,------ (mention the name of the affected sinuses ) denoting sinusitis.

Intracranial calcification
Bilateral symmetrical basal ganglia calcification    
 Bilateral almost symmetrical patchy areas of calcifications    are seen 
      affecting the basal ganglia, mainly the caudate  lentiform  thalami 
       dentate nuclei (in the cerebellum).

NB Foci or patches of calcifications may be present in the cerebral 
parenchyma.
 The lesions exert no mass effect with no detectable perifocal brain edema.    
     The lesions showed no post contrast enhancement. [if the patient was injected with contrast material]
 Normal size and configuration of the ventricular system with no shift of the 
      mid line structures.
 Normal posterior fossa (if no lesions are present in the posterior fossa ).
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear 
OR Scanned Para nasal sinuses showed mucosal  thickening in the --,------ (mention the name of the affected sinuses ) denoting sinusitis.

Periventricular calcifications
 Multiple bilateral calcific foci are seen scattered in both cerebral 
    hemispheres mainly in the periventricular regions.

NB Some calcific foci may be adherent to the wall of the ventricle, then you 
say that many or few of the calcific foci are subependymal in location.

 The lesions exert no mass effect and showed no post contrast  
      enhancement.
 Normal size and configuration of the ventricular system with no shift of the 
      mid line structures.
 Normal posterior fossa (if no lesions are present in the posterior fossa ).
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear 
OR Scanned Para nasal sinuses showed mucosal  thickening in the --,------ (mention the name of the affected sinuses ) denoting sinusitis.




Gyral calcification
 Well defined unilateral (or bilateral ) gyral pattern of calcification is seen 
     affecting ------ (mention the site of the lesion).

NB Associated findings that should be mentioned if present 
* Focal atrophic changes related to the lesion.
* Thickening of the overlying calverial bones.
* Enlargement of the ipsilateral choroid plexus in the lateral ventricle.

 The lesions exert no mass effect and showed no or minimal post contrast  
      enhancement 
 Normal size and configuration of the ventricular system with no shift of the 
      mid line structures.
 Normal posterior fossa (if no lesions are present in the posterior fossa ).
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear 
OR Scanned Para nasal sinuses showed mucosal  thickening in the --,------ (mention the name of the affected sinuses ) denoting sinusitis.

Intracrainal Vascular lesions
Aneurysm
A well defined rounded ------x----- cm [mention the measurement of the 
     lesion] lesion is seen in the ------- [mention the site] common sites include:
Suprasellar region to the left or right of the midline plane    
Within the sylvian fissure.
In the prepontain cistern.
The lesion showed homogenous post contrast enhancement with no 
     perifocal brain edema around ± marginal curvilinear calcification.

NB If the lesion is more than 2cm (giant aneurysm), it may show internal thrombosis, then you can say that the lesion has a homogenously enhancing component which represents the patent lumen and a non enhancing component which represents the thrombosed part.  
Normal size and configuration of the ventricular system with no midline 
    shift.
 Normal posterior fossa (if no lesions are present in the posterior fossa ).
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear 
OR Scanned Para nasal sinuses showed mucosal  thickening in the --,------ (mention the name of the affected sinuses ) denoting sinusitis.

Aneurysm rupture
A well defined rounded ------x----- cm [mention the measurement of the 
     lesion] lesion is seen in the ------- [mention the site] common sites include:
Suprasellar region to the left or right of the midline plane    
Within the sylvian fissure.
In the prepontain cistern.
The lesion is surrounded by an irregular shaped area of recent blood  
      density measuring ------x----- cm. After contrast injection the lesion showed  
      homogenous post contrast enhancement with prefocal brain edema seen around the hematoma 
 The ventricles are usually dilated and may contain fresh blood density then   
      you can say: mild or moderate symmetrical dilatation of the supra and 
      infratentorial  cerebral ventricles  periventricular edema due to retrograde   
      transependymal CSF permeation  intraventricular recent blood density 
     seen in the ------------ (mention the affected ventricles).
 If blood is present in the 4th ventricle then you can say : normal 
     appearance of the brain stem and cerebellum, but do not write the usual  
     statement.
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear 
OR Scanned Para nasal sinuses showed mucosal  thickening in the --,------ (mention the name of the affected sinuses ) denoting sinusitis.

Arteriovenous malformation
 A well efined area of abnormal vascularity is seen in ------ 
       [mention the site of the lesion] showing serpigenous pattern of contrast  
      enhancement  curvilinear matrix calcifications.

 Perifocal brain edema may present and a mild mass effect may be also 
     seen then you should mention these findings.

NB Hypodense areas in the region of AVM usually represent ischemic areas due to direct blood shunting from the arterial to the venous side.
Normal size and configuration of the ventricular system with no midline 
    shift.
 Normal posterior fossa (if no lesions are present in the posterior fossa ).
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear 
OR Scanned Para nasal sinuses showed mucosal  thickening in the --,------ (mention the name of the affected sinuses ) denoting sinusitis.

Cavernous hemangioma 
A relatively well defined hyperdense lesion is seen ------ (mention the site of 
     the lesion ) showing  foci of matrix calcifications.
 The lesion showed no evident enhancement after contrast injection and is 
      not surrounded by perifocal brain edema.

NB No mass effect exerted by the lesion, if present you can say that the 
lesion  exerts minimal mass effect on the adjacent structures.
Normal size and configuration of the ventricular system with no midline 
    shift.
 Normal posterior fossa (if no lesions are present in the posterior fossa ).
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear 
OR Scanned Para nasal sinuses showed mucosal  thickening in the --,------ (mention the name of the affected sinuses ) denoting sinusitis.

 Intra ventricular lesions    
A well defined --------- shaped (mention the shape of the lesion) is seen -----    
     (mention the site of the lesion).
Possible sites include:
Centered on the region of the 4th ventricle midline posterior fossa.
Within the body or frontal horn of the lateral ventricle (left / Right).
Centered at the anterior aspect of the 3rd ventricle.   
 The lesion showed homogenous/ heterogenous pattern of enhancement 
      with  foci of matrix calcifications. The surface of lesion appeared smooth 
       or  lobulated.
The ipsilateral ventricle is dilated with ± per ventricular edema due to retrograde transependymal CSF permeation.  

NB In cases of choired plexus papilloma , the whole ventricular system is 
dilated due to communicating hydrocephalus secondary to CSF over production by the lesion.
NB If the tumor has penetrated the wall of the ventricle it will initiate brain 
edema around, then maliganent transformation is suspected.
 Normal posterior fossa (if no lesions are present in the posterior fossa ).
 Scanned Para nasal sinuses are clear 
OR Scanned Para nasal sinuses showed mucosal  thickening in the --,------ (mention the name of the affected sinuses ) denoting sinusitis.

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