What do you need to assess with a contrast head CT?

When considering what needs to be assessed with a contrast-enhanced head CT, identifying vascular malformations or tumors is paramount. Contrast material enhances the visibility of certain structures in the brain by providing a clear distinction between tissues that may have similar densities.

In the case of tumors, contrast helps to delineate the borders of the tumor from surrounding brain tissue, allowing for a better assessment of its size, extent, and potential involvement of surrounding structures. Additionally, vascular malformations, such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) or aneurysms, are better visualized with contrast as it highlights abnormal blood vessels that may not be as apparent on a non-contrast scan.

This capacity to enhance vascular and tumor-related structures sets contrast CT apart from other imaging methods, particularly when evaluating suspected intracranial lesions. The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not necessitate the use of contrast for optimal assessment; for example, bone abnormalities are typically evaluated with non-contrast imaging or dedicated bone studies, and sinus conditions can often be assessed adequately with non-contrast CT focused on the sinuses and surrounding soft tissue without enhancement.