On CT imaging, a crescent-shaped collection that can cross sutures is typical of which type of hematoma?

On CT imaging, a crescent-shaped collection that can cross sutures is typical of which type of hematoma?

• A. Epidural hematoma
• B. Subdural hematoma
• C. Intraparenchymal hematoma
• D. Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Answer: (B)

This pattern indicates a subdural hematoma. The crescent-shaped collection on CT that can cross sutures reflects blood collecting in the subdural space, which lies between the dura and the arachnoid. That space stretches across sutures, so the hematoma can extend over the brain surface and across these joints. In contrast, an epidural hematoma sits between the skull and dura and usually appears as a lens-shaped, biconvex collection that does not cross sutures because the dural attachments at the sutures constrain it. An intraparenchymal hematoma is contained within the brain tissue itself and tends to be a focal, irregular hemorrhage rather than a crescent along the brain surface. Subarachnoid hemorrhage shows blood in the subarachnoid spaces, sulci, and cisterns rather than forming a crescent around the brain.

This pattern indicates a subdural hematoma. The crescent-shaped collection on CT that can cross sutures reflects blood collecting in the subdural space, which lies between the dura and the arachnoid. That space stretches across sutures, so the hematoma can extend over the brain surface and across these joints.

In contrast, an epidural hematoma sits between the skull and dura and usually appears as a lens-shaped, biconvex collection that does not cross sutures because the dural attachments at the sutures constrain it. An intraparenchymal hematoma is contained within the brain tissue itself and tends to be a focal, irregular hemorrhage rather than a crescent along the brain surface. Subarachnoid hemorrhage shows blood in the subarachnoid spaces, sulci, and cisterns rather than forming a crescent around the brain.