High field MRI of cranial intraparenchymal haematomas

In this study we retrospectively analysed 25 intracranial intraparenchymal haematomas at 1.0T and 1.5 T using spin-echo technique. T1- and heavily T2-weighted SE sequences were obtained in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. The biochemical, microscopic, and macroscopic mechanisms of haematomas are reviewed as well as their effect on signal intensity. Although the evolution is very complex and multifactorial, the haematomas were divided into hyperacute ( 3 weeks) and residual stages (>4 months). MRI is more informative than CT, except in the hyperacute stage.