Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Automated Midline Shift and Intracranial Pressure Estimation based on Brain CT Images
Published on: April 13, 2013
False impressions from clear cerebrospinal fluid and a normal computed tomography scan: the pressure is still on for
Michaela Cartner1, Anthony Holley, Anthony Allworth
1Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract:
We report the case of a 33-year-old man presenting with seizures following a 3 week, non-specific febrile illness characterized by progressive confusion. Despite the presence of risk factors, his HIV serology was negative and he had no premorbid suggestion of immunocompromise. We describe the difficulties in making the diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis in the presence of cerebrospinal fluid analysis with the only abnormality initially being hypoglycorrhachia. This case also highlights the importance of measuring an opening pressure, a procedure which should be routine, but is often neglected in the performance of lumbar punctures. Finally, this case reinforces the maxim that cranial CT cannot be relied upon alone to diagnose intracranial hypertension, which also requires clinical examination, including fundoscopy.
Related Concept Videos
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Computed Tomography
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
