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Radiology · CT head: acute hemorrhage
Sample itemOn noncontrast CT head performed immediately after symptom onset, acute intracranial blood is usually seen as what attenuation relative to brain?
Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.
The answer and the reasoning
B. Hyperattenuating
Acute blood is typically hyperattenuating on noncontrast CT because of its protein and cellular content. Density changes as blood ages.
Option by option
A. Hypoattenuating
Hypoattenuation is more typical of established infarction or edema.
B. Hyperattenuating (correct)
Correct. Fresh hemorrhage generally appears bright on noncontrast CT.
C. Always isodense
Acute hemorrhage is often conspicuous rather than invariably isodense.
D. Not visible
CT is a key rapid test for acute intracranial hemorrhage.
Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.
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