On axial MRI of the brain at the level of the basal ganglia, a crescent-shaped hyperdense signal on CT (acute) borders the inner table of the skull and does not cross the midline but may cross suture lines. This is characteristic of which collection?

• A Extradural (epidural) hematoma
• B Subarachnoid hemorrhage
• C Intracerebral hemorrhage
• D Subdural hematoma ✓

Explanation

A subdural hematoma forms between the dura and the arachnoid mater in the subdural space. Because it is not limited by periosteal dural folds at suture lines, it can spread across suture lines (unlike epidural hematoma) and appears crescent-shaped conforming to the brain surface. Epidural hematoma is biconvex/lenticular and stops at sutures where the periosteal dura is adherent. Subarachnoid hemorrhage fills the cisterns and sulci. Intracerebral hemorrhage is within the parenchyma.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.