On a normal CT, what should be observed in the cisterns?

On a normal CT, what should be observed in the cisterns?

• A. No blood in spaces and symmetrical
• B. Blood in subarachnoid spaces
• C. Cisterns effaced
• D. Cisterns enlarged

Answer: (A)

In a normal head CT, the basal cisterns should be open, well delineated, and symmetric, with no blood filling the subarachnoid spaces. This reflects lack of hemorrhage or mass effect. Blood within the cisterns would appear as hyperdense material, indicating subarachnoid hemorrhage. If the cisterns were effaced, that would suggest swelling or increased intracranial pressure compressing these spaces. Enlarged cisterns would point toward volume loss or atrophy rather than an acute, normal state. So the best observation on a normal scan is open, symmetric cisterns with no blood in the subarachnoid spaces.

In a normal head CT, the basal cisterns should be open, well delineated, and symmetric, with no blood filling the subarachnoid spaces. This reflects lack of hemorrhage or mass effect. Blood within the cisterns would appear as hyperdense material, indicating subarachnoid hemorrhage. If the cisterns were effaced, that would suggest swelling or increased intracranial pressure compressing these spaces. Enlarged cisterns would point toward volume loss or atrophy rather than an acute, normal state. So the best observation on a normal scan is open, symmetric cisterns with no blood in the subarachnoid spaces.