Computerized tomography of the head

To begin with, an outline is given of the physical fundamentals, the data processing procedure, and the structure of the various scanning systems. The authors give only general information on these as detailed descriptions are offered by the producers. Practical hints are given on positioning of patients and on data documentation which have been tried with good results at the authors' institutions. As regards the description of normal anatomical structures, only one planigraphic angle is described as there are atlases presenting all possible planigraphic planes and angles. However, the changes in shape of anatomical structures are described for different angles. The chapter on interpretation is based on the information to be recognized on the pictures. Considerations for differential diagnoses are listed for every single parameter. A diagnosis of probability ought to be possible merely on the basis of the data, without any clincial information. Anamnesis and clinical findings are required to increase diagnostic reliability. In the last chapter, the CT pictures of intraeranial, neurological diseases are presented. Besides typical pictures, also non-typical and infrequent findings are given. (orig./MG)