[Axial computer tomography of the brain]

Computertized tomography of the brain, developed by Hounsfield - has decisively altered neuroradiologic procedures. Without the need of contrast media, cerebral structures (ventricles cisternes, sulci and physiological calcifications) and pathologic lesions (infarctions, hemorrhage, edema, tumors and malformations) may be visualized. Tumors can be diagnosed in 95 to 99% by this method. Tumors of the midline structures and of the posterior fossa are more easily detected than by conventional methods. In head injuries epidural and subdural hematoma, contusional edema and hemorrhage may be differentiated. Hydrocephalus externus and internus can be shown by computertized tomography. Probably computertized tomography will become the most frequently applied neuroradiological method in the future.