Which imaging feature is characteristic of diffuse brain swelling on CT?

Which imaging feature is characteristic of diffuse brain swelling on CT?

• A. Enlarged ventricles
• B. Sulcal effacement
• C. Focal nodules
• D. Calcifications

Answer: (B)

Diffuse brain swelling on CT is best recognized by sulcal effacement—the loss of visible grooves between the gyri as swollen brain tissue fills the intracranial space. This global edema smooths out the cortical surface, making the sulci indistinct. As edema worsens, the ventricles and cisterns may appear compressed, and the gray–white differentiation can become less distinct. The other findings point to different issues: enlarged ventricles suggest hydrocephalus or chronic changes, focal nodules indicate a localized mass, and calcifications are typically chronic changes not driven by acute diffuse swelling.

Diffuse brain swelling on CT is best recognized by sulcal effacement—the loss of visible grooves between the gyri as swollen brain tissue fills the intracranial space. This global edema smooths out the cortical surface, making the sulci indistinct. As edema worsens, the ventricles and cisterns may appear compressed, and the gray–white differentiation can become less distinct.

The other findings point to different issues: enlarged ventricles suggest hydrocephalus or chronic changes, focal nodules indicate a localized mass, and calcifications are typically chronic changes not driven by acute diffuse swelling.