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Hyperdense posterior falx in the neonate
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Pediatrics, University of Kentucky Medical Center, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0084, USA.
Objective:
Hyperdense posterior falx and/or torcula on unenhanced CT scans is associated with sagittal sinus thrombosis in adults. However, the validity of this finding in newborns is unknown.
Materials And Methods:
A prospective review was performed from September 1995 to November 1996, evaluating head CT scans of infants during their first week of life.
Results:
Eleven neonatal head CT scans revealed a hyperdense posterior falx, suggestive of sagittal sinus thrombosis. Further imaging (7 ultrasound and 4 magnetic resonance imaging examinations) revealed no evidence of venous thrombosis in 10 of the 11 infants.
Conclusion:
Predominantly unmyelinated neonatal brain and increased hematocrit of neonatal blood probably contribute to the false impression of hyperdense posterior falx/torcula on neonatal head CT scans.