title: Noncontrast computed tomographic Hounsfield unit evaluation of cerebral venous thrombosis: a quantitative evaluation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Our objective is to determine the utility of noncontrast Hounsfield unit values, Hounsfield unit values corrected for the patient's hematocrit, and venoarterial Hounsfield unit difference measurements in the identification of intracranial venous thrombosis on noncontrast head computed tomography.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively reviewed noncontrast head computed tomography exams performed in both normal patients and those with cerebral venous thrombosis, acquiring Hounsfield unit values in normal and thrombosed cerebral venous structures. Also, we acquired Hounsfield unit values in the internal carotid artery for comparison to thrombosed and nonthrombosed venous structures and compared the venous Hounsfield unit values to the patient's hematocrit.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant difference is identified between Hounsfield unit values in thrombosed and nonthrombosed venous structures. Applying Hounsfield unit threshold values of greater than 65, a Hounsfield unit to hematocrit ratio of greater than 1.7, and venoarterial difference values greater than 15 alone and in combination, the majority of cases of venous thrombosis are identifiable on noncontrast head computed tomography.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Absolute Hounsfield unit values, Hounsfield unit to hematocrit ratios, and venoarterial Hounsfield unit value differences are a useful adjunct in noncontrast head computed tomographic evaluation of cerebral venous thrombosis.
authors: Department of Radiology, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East #1A071, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA. david.besachio@hsc.utah.edu.|United States Navy, Bethesda, MD, USA. david.besachio@hsc.utah.edu.
authors: David A
authors: DA
authors: Besachio
authors: Department of Radiology, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East #1A071, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
authors: Edward P
authors: EP
authors: Quigley
authors: Department of Radiology, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East #1A071, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
authors: Lubdha M
authors: LM
authors: Shah
authors: Department of Radiology, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East #1A071, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
authors: Karen L
authors: KL
authors: Salzman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002550:Cerebral Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D020767:Intracranial Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010690:Phlebography / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media
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