A wide spectrum of traumatic abnormalities has been demonstrated by computed tomography. CT findings in acute trauma range from cerebral edema and contusion to intracerebral or extracerebral hematoma, subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhage and varying combinations thereof. Late traumatic changes shown by CT include chronic subdural hygroma, post-traumatic infarct, and porencephaly and hydrocephalus. The latter findings are indistinguishable from changes resulting from degenerative or ischemic brain disease. Follow-up CT scanning elucidates the natural course of various traumatic lesions. Occasionally, it may uncover occult, delayed sequelae which can be remedied surgically before irreparable brain damage occurs.

Amicar (epsilon-aminocaproic acid) has been used in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage to promote clotting. However, cerebral thrombosis has been reported in various vascular compartments following its use. The authors describe 2 patients who had cerebral angiography after Amicar therapy and demonstrated thrombosis unrelated to vascular spasm or technical complications of angiography. Careful screening is needed in patients treated with Amicar to determine if an increased risk of thrombosis exists.

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Six patients with intracranial metastases were studied with computed tomography (CT). The initial appearance suggested cerebral hemorrhage. Atypical location, contrast enhancement, or multiplicity proved helpful in differentiating tumors from other causes of intracerebral hemorrhage. Four patients showed contrast enhancement and 3 had multiple lesions. Metastases with associated intracerebral hematoma may simulate a spontaneous hematoma.