2. Imaging Techniques Fig. 232 CCT scans. (a) Coronal image shows a left blowout fracure of the floor and medial wall a well as orbital emphysema; (b) axial image shows enlargement of extraocular muscles and right proptosis in thyroid eye disease; (c) axial image shows an acute parenchymal haematoma in the right temporal lobe: (d) axial image shows extensive subarachnoid blood in the basilar cisterns, and Sylvian and anterior incerhemispheric fissures (Courtesy of N Sitbain = fgs ac and d: A Pearson ~ fg, 6) short electromagnetic pulse. When the pulse: subsides, the n to their normal position, re-radiating some of y they have absorbed. Sensitive receivers pick up uclel ret the ener this electromagnetic echo, Unlike CT, it does not subject the patient to ionizing radiation. radiation with characteristic intensity and time patterns. The lysed. computed and displayed as a cross: which may be: (a) axial (b) ¢ sectional imag sagittal. Imaging sequences T1- and T2-weighted images are routinely acquired in MR Imaging of the brain. Weighting refers 10 two methods of measuring the relaxation times of the excited protons alter the magnetic fietd has been switched off, Various body tissues have different relaxation times so that a given tissue may be T1- or T2-weighted (ie. best visualized on that particular type of image). In practice both types of scans are usually performed, 1. Tl-weighted images are best for normal anatomy Hypeintense (dark) structures include CSE and vitreous, Hyperintense (bright) structures include fat. blood and contrast agents (Fig, 2.33a,€ 2. T2-weighted images are useful for viewing pathological changes because water is hyperintense. Therefore oedema: tous pathological tissue (c.g, inflammation) will be of brighter signal than normal surrounding tissue, CSP and