Non-Contrast CT (NCCT) Brain, Contrast-Enhanced CT (CECT) Brain, CT Brain: Non-Contrast vs. Contrast.

CT Brain: Non-Contrast vs. Contrast

🟢 Non-Contrast CT (NCCT) Brain

👉 Most common & first-line scan
Uses:

• Head injury / trauma → skull fracture, hemorrhage, edema

• Stroke (first scan) → to rule out hemorrhage before giving thrombolysis

• Sudden severe headache → subarachnoid hemorrhage

• Hydrocephalus → ventricular size

• Calcifications → tumors (like oligodendroglioma, meningioma) or infections (TB, toxoplasmosis)

Reason: Contrast may obscure acute bleed.

 Non-Contrast vs. Contrast.

🔵 Contrast-Enhanced CT (CECT) Brain

👉 Done after non-contrast when lesion/tumor/infection is suspected.
Uses:

• Brain tumors → enhancement pattern (ring-enhancing, solid, etc.)

• Abscesses → ring enhancement with central necrosis

• Meningitis / encephalitis → meningeal or parenchymal enhancement

• Post-op / Post-radiotherapy patients → check for recurrence or complications

• Vascular lesions (AVM, aneurysm) → better visualization with CT angiography

Note: Always check renal function (serum creatinine, GFR) before giving contrast.

⚡ Shortcut to remember:

• NCCT Brain → First step (trauma, stroke, bleed, calcification, hydrocephalus).

• CECT Brain → For infection, tumor, post-op, vascular evaluation.