General
map of antarctica
What does map of antarctica mean?
Slang describing the sprawling white appearance of extensive intracranial haemorrhage on a CT scan.
"His head CT looked like a map of Antarctica."
Origin
Descriptive radiology slang.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'map of Antarctica' mean in medicine?
It is radiology slang for the large, sprawling white area on a head CT scan caused by extensive intracranial (brain) haemorrhage.
Why is it called that?
Blood shows up bright white on CT, and a big bleed can spread across the brain in a shape reminiscent of the white expanse of Antarctica on a map.
Is it a serious finding?
Yes. It describes a large brain bleed, which is a life-threatening emergency, even though the phrase itself is casual.
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