On CT imaging, how does an acute intracranial hemorrhage typically appear?

On CT imaging, how does an acute intracranial hemorrhage typically appear?

• A. Dark gray
• B. Black
• C. Bright white
• D. Isodense to brain tissue

Answer: (C)

On a non-contrast CT, fresh or acute intracranial hemorrhage appears as a bright, hyperdense area. This happens because newly clotted blood has a higher attenuation than surrounding brain tissue, making it look white on CT. In numbers, acute blood is typically around 60–80 Hounsfield units, while normal brain tissue runs lower, so the hemorrhage stands out clearly. This hyperdensity is most evident in the first hours to a couple of days; as blood products break down over time, the density can decrease and the hemorrhage may become isodense or even hypodense relative to brain. The other descriptions—dark gray or black—would indicate lower-density substances or spaces, not acute blood, and being isodense to brain describes a later stage when the hemorrhage no longer stands out.

On a non-contrast CT, fresh or acute intracranial hemorrhage appears as a bright, hyperdense area. This happens because newly clotted blood has a higher attenuation than surrounding brain tissue, making it look white on CT. In numbers, acute blood is typically around 60–80 Hounsfield units, while normal brain tissue runs lower, so the hemorrhage stands out clearly. This hyperdensity is most evident in the first hours to a couple of days; as blood products break down over time, the density can decrease and the hemorrhage may become isodense or even hypodense relative to brain. The other descriptions—dark gray or black—would indicate lower-density substances or spaces, not acute blood, and being isodense to brain describes a later stage when the hemorrhage no longer stands out.