On noncontrast CT, hemorrhagic stroke appears as which finding?

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Multiple Choice

On noncontrast CT, hemorrhagic stroke appears as which finding?

Acute hemorrhage on noncontrast CT appears hyperdense (bright). Fresh blood has higher attenuation than surrounding brain tissue, so an intracerebral bleed shows up as a bright, well-defined area. Brain tissue is typically less dense, and as blood ages it becomes isodense and then eventually hypodense, so the hyperdense appearance is most characteristic of the acute phase. This is in contrast to ischemic stroke, which may be normal early or become hypodense as cytotoxic edema develops. Calcifications, while they can be bright on CT, reflect ongoing calcified deposits rather than acute bleeding.

Acute hemorrhage on noncontrast CT appears hyperdense (bright). Fresh blood has higher attenuation than surrounding brain tissue, so an intracerebral bleed shows up as a bright, well-defined area. Brain tissue is typically less dense, and as blood ages it becomes isodense and then eventually hypodense, so the hyperdense appearance is most characteristic of the acute phase. This is in contrast to ischemic stroke, which may be normal early or become hypodense as cytotoxic edema develops. Calcifications, while they can be bright on CT, reflect ongoing calcified deposits rather than acute bleeding.

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