Imaging
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
- Preliminary Diagnosis: Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
-
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
- II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus.
-
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
-
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
- V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus.
- VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
Preliminary Diagnosis: Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
Non-contrast CT of the brain
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Advantages
Relatively inexpensive, fast imaging modality compared with companion MR imaging
Able to evaluate osseous structures
Disadvantages
Exposes the patient to ionizing radiation
Less specific and sensitive in characterizing the gray and white matter and cannot well detail any specific soft tissue abnormalities
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
May be contraindicated in pregnant patients.
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
MRI of the brain without contrast
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus.
MRI of the brain without contrast
Advantages
Offers exquisite detail of both gray and white matter.
Better able to evaluate for any associated soft tissue abnormalities and is less specific for any osseous abnormalities
Disadvantages
Expensive
Time consuming
Requires significant patient cooperation to minimize motion artifact
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
MRI of the brain without contrast
Contraindicated in patients with non–MR-compatible hardware.
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