Imaging Diagnosis of Chronic Encapsulated Intracerebral Hematoma, a Comparison of Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) characteristics

Background: Chronic encapsulated intracerebral hematoma (CEICH) is a rare type of intracerebral hematoma that is often misdiagnosed. To explore the characteristics of CEICH on computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Material/Methods: Clinical, CT, MRI, and susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) data of 5 patients who were diagnosed with CEICH on surgery and pathology were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: CT showed quasi-circular or elliptical lesions with clear borders in all 5 cases and iso-density or low-density in the center of lesions that were surrounded by peripheral edema in 2 cases. CT showed mass effect in 5 patients. On contrast-enhanced CT, 2 cases exhibited mild ring enhancement, and 3 cases exhibited moderate ring enhancement. MRI showed cystic lesions with high uniform signal on T1-weighted images (T1WI) and T2-weighted images (T2WI), a lowsignal ring sign on the coated cystic lesions on T2WI, a lower signal ring sign on SWI, and ring enhancement after administration of contrast.

Conclusions: CT imaging of CEICH did not reveal any typical characteristics in the studied patients. MRI showed an envelope with a “ring” and intra-capsular bleeding features. MRI is an effective imaging modality for the diagnosis of CEICH.