This hypeensive patient was admitted with right-sided hemiplegia. Plain CT scan shows?
## **Core Concept**
The patient's presentation with hypertension and right-sided hemiplegia, along with findings on a plain CT scan, suggests a diagnosis related to a stroke, likely an ischemic or hemorrhagic event given the acute onset of hemiplegia. The CT scan is crucial in differentiating between these two types.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, , indicates a left-sided intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), which is consistent with the patient's symptoms of right-sided hemiplegia due to the motor cortex and corticospinal tracts being located in the left hemisphere of the brain for right-sided body control. Hypertension is a significant risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage. The plain CT scan is the initial imaging modality of choice in acute stroke because it quickly differentiates between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, with hemorrhage appearing as hyperdensity.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This would not typically present with acute hemiplegia or be directly related to the symptoms described without further specification of the findings.
- **Option B:** This option might represent an ischemic stroke or another pathology but does not directly correlate with the acute presentation of hemiplegia and hypertension as effectively as an intracerebral hemorrhage.
- **Option D:** This option does not provide enough information to assess its relevance directly but typically would not be the best choice given the clinical scenario described.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that in acute stroke, a **non-contrast CT scan** is the initial imaging modality of choice. It helps differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. **Hypertension** is a major risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage.
## **Correct Answer:** . Intracerebral Hemorrhage.