Head CT for the intensivist: 10 tips and pearls

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Head imaging is vital for acute neurological emergencies.
• Computed tomography (CT) is the most common brain imaging modality due to availability and ease of use in critical care settings.
• CT excels at detecting acute intracranial hemorrhage, crucial for managing traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the indispensable role of head CT in neurocritical care.
• To educate intensivists on the advantages and limitations of CT imaging.
• To guide intensivists on utilizing CT effectively in ten common neurocritical care scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Review of CT imaging applications in neurocritical care.
• Discussion of CT's utility in specific clinical scenarios.
• Comparison of CT with other neuroimaging modalities.

Main Results:

• CT is highly effective for identifying acute intracranial hemorrhage.
• Non-contrast CT has limitations in detecting early ischemic changes.
• Advanced CT techniques like CT angiography and CT perfusion enhance diagnostic value for ischemia.
• The manuscript details ten clinical circumstances where CT is beneficial for intensivists.

Conclusions:

• Intensivists require proficiency in interpreting head CT scans.
• Understanding CT's strengths and weaknesses is essential for optimal patient management.
• CT remains a cornerstone of neurocritical care, complemented by other advanced imaging techniques when necessary.