A 25-year-old man receives a blow to the back of the head. He remains conscious but later develops progressive neurological deterioration. CT shows a crescent-shaped hematoma over the cerebral convexity crossing suture lines. This is characteristic of:
- A Extradural hematoma
- B Subarachnoid hemorrhage
- C Subdural hematoma ✓
- D Intracerebral hematoma
Correct answer: C. Subdural hematoma
Explanation
Acute subdural hematoma appears crescent-shaped on CT, crosses suture lines (unlike extradural which is biconvex/lens-shaped and limited by sutures), and is due to tearing of bridging veins. Extradural hematoma is typically arterial, lens-shaped, and associated with temporal bone fracture. The crescent shape and crossing sutures identify subdural hematoma.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.