What does the CT scan indicate?
Patient: Hi! My 70yr old granny has been having shivers on her left had. Its been seen since 1 month. Its not continous and keeps coming now and then. Also, she says she has a weakness around her heart everytime this happens. We got CT scan doen today and it shows 'a tiny oblong hypodensity seen in left parasagittal top parietal location, with ipsilateral ventricle pulling towards it - possibly represents subacute to chronic infarction. In addition multiple tiny, hypodensities seen both gangliocapsular and periventricular locations (left top parietal region more involved), with no mass effect or bleed - could suggest old lacunar infartions.' Rest is shown normal for age. What does this mean? Doctor: Brief Answer: Old infarction areas without any emergency meaning. Should be followed by a cardiologist.Detailed Answer:Hello,Thank you for using HCM. I will try to explain what this CT scan report means.A left parietal, parasagital tiny oblong hypodensity, suggestive of a subacute or chronic infarction represents a small, linear area of lower density on CT, than the rest of the normal brain, due to a previous (old) arterial thrombosis on the top the brain cortex, close to (along) the sagital superior sinus, of the left parietal lobe. Local necrosis around the ischaemic (thrombosed) area is followed by liquefaction of the brain tissue and hypodense appearance on CT. This area, as well as the other multiple tiny hypodense areas in the deeper brain structures (gangliocapsular and periventricular old lacunar infarctions) are associated with ipsilateral ventricle pulling which means dilatation (enlargement) of the lateral ventricle on the affected side. Local volume loss due to infarction and liquefaction, creates local vacuum areas which enable the left lateral ventricle (a cerebrospinal fluid filled cavity) to distend toward the vacuum area. As all these findings do not represent a recent (fresh) infarction, but old ones, there is no reason to seriously worry about.  Heart problems, more than a consequence, may be the reason of the above mentioned brain infarctions. That’s why a special care should be carried to prevent further infarctions, such as normal blood pressure maintaining, restricted salt diet and regular cardiologist follow-up. Hope this is helpful.Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please close and rate the answer.Kind Regards, Dr. Juarda