Learning objectives
Differential diagnosis of spontaneously hyperdense (non-hemorrhagic) brain lesions on CT.
Description of characteristics and radiological evolution,
focusing on cortical astrocytomas due to its high aggressive potential.
Background
Solid brain lesions are more frequently hypodense,
with a lower percentage of spontaneous hyperdensity,
which gives this behavior a special value at the time of diagnosis.
The differential diagnosis of focal lesions of moderate-high density is narrow and relatively affordable by combining CT and MRI.
This mainly includes cavernoma,
certain metastases,
lymphoma and primary glial tumors highly cellular and,
therefore,
of high degree of malignancy.
We will emphasize that type of glial tumors given its high malignant potential and its relatively indolent aspect in the...
Findings and procedure details
HYPERDENSIC LESIONS.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
LYMPHOMA
HIGH GRADE ASTROCYTOMS
CAVERNOMA
METASTASIS
We will focus on the particular characteristics and,
above all,
on the differences of lymphoma,
cavernoma and metastasis,
with respect to the AAG.
HIGH GRADE ASTROCYTOMS
Tumors of glial strain and poor prognosis,
with high growth rates in a short period of time.
In our experience we are dealing with grade III astrocytomas if they are biopsied soon,
and they usually show histological characteristics of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) if the surgery is slightly delayed (few...
Conclusion
Spontaneously hyperdense brain lesions on CT comprise a short series of pathologies whose differential diagnosis is crucial since it determines the patient's management and prognosis,
especially in the case of initial astrocytomas with a high degree of malignancy.
The knowledge of the characteristics on CT and MRI of these entities allows access to a correct presurgical diagnosis in most of the occasions.
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