What it means
On CT, denser materials block more X-rays and look whiter. Hyperdense means a spot is brighter than the tissue around it. Common causes are calcium, fresh blood, contrast dye and metal. Fluid that is rich in protein or contains blood can also look hyperdense. Like the other density words, it describes how the area looks, not what it is.
When it matters
Many hyperdense spots are harmless, such as small calcium deposits in blood vessels or in the brain, which become more common with age. Fresh blood also looks hyperdense. After a head injury or a sudden severe headache, bleeding is one of the first things doctors look for. The exact density in Hounsfield units and the location help tell causes apart. Some spots need an ultrasound or MRI to confirm what they are.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is the bright area calcium, blood or something else?
- Was it seen before contrast was given, or only after?
- Is it new, or was it there on my older scans?
