Subdural hematomas: an unusual appearance on computed tomography

It may at times be difficult to separate supra- from infratentorial and intra- from extraaxial pathology on the basis of axial transverse computed tomography (CT) scans. Coronal CT scans may be quite useful in more accurate localization of compartments. Three head injured patients with subdural hematomas were studied with axial transverse CT scans. In addition to the typical appearance of subdural hematomas, unusually shaped areas of increased attenuation were noted in the region of the tentorium cerebelli separate from the mass of the subdural collection. Coronal scans confirmed the supratentorial, extraaxial collection as an extension of the subdural hematoma into the supratentorial subdural space.