In CT head imaging, which feature differentiates epidural hematoma from subdural hematoma?

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Multiple Choice

In CT head imaging, which feature differentiates epidural hematoma from subdural hematoma?

On CT head imaging, the shape and relation to skull sutures are the telltale features that distinguish these two hematomas. Epidural hematoma is typically lens-shaped (biconvex) and sits between the skull and dura; its convex margins come from the confined space and it usually does not cross suture lines. Subdural hematoma, by contrast, is crescent-shaped and lies between the dura and arachnoid; it can span across suture lines because the subdural space extends over the brain surface, allowing the bleed to spread beyond individual skull sutures. Clinically, this shape difference helps you tell them apart quickly on imaging: a lens-shaped, suture-confined collection versus a crescent-shaped, suture-crossing collection.

On CT head imaging, the shape and relation to skull sutures are the telltale features that distinguish these two hematomas. Epidural hematoma is typically lens-shaped (biconvex) and sits between the skull and dura; its convex margins come from the confined space and it usually does not cross suture lines. Subdural hematoma, by contrast, is crescent-shaped and lies between the dura and arachnoid; it can span across suture lines because the subdural space extends over the brain surface, allowing the bleed to spread beyond individual skull sutures. Clinically, this shape difference helps you tell them apart quickly on imaging: a lens-shaped, suture-confined collection versus a crescent-shaped, suture-crossing collection.

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