Dynamic CT perfusion to assess the effect of carotid revascularization in chronic cerebral ischemia

We present the case of a female patient who was studied with dynamic contrast-enhanced CT perfusion before and after carotid revascularization. Before treatment, there was decreased perfusion in the ipsilateral insula, which was shown to be resolved on the scan obtained 1 day after treatment, indicating the technical success of the revascularization. In the ipsilateral basal ganglia, there was delayed contrast agent clearance from the tissue, which was attributed to vasodilation; after revascularization, there remained a subtle stenotic effect. The observed changes in the dynamic CT perfusion study suggest that this technique may be a useful tool in the evaluation of patients with asymmetrical cerebral blood flow.