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The imaging of ischaemic stroke
N Hoggard1, I D Wilkinson, P D Griffiths
1Academic Department of Radiology, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2JF, UK. N.Hoggard@Sheffield.ac.uk
Clinical Radiology
|March 15, 2001
Summary
This review discusses advanced imaging techniques for ischemic stroke detection and assessment. It highlights how diffusion-weighted and perfusion-weighted MRI, along with CT, aid in diagnosis and treatment decisions for stroke patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Stroke presents as a rapid focal neurological deficit, classified as ischemic or hemorrhagic.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and to rule out stroke mimics.
- Imaging plays a vital role in confirming stroke type and guiding treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of various imaging modalities in the diagnosis and assessment of ischemic stroke.
- To discuss the pathophysiology of stroke in relation to imaging findings.
- To detail advanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques for stroke evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Computed tomography (CT) for excluding acute intracranial hemorrhage.
- Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for early ischemic infarction detection.
- Perfusion-weighted MR imaging for further assessment and treatment guidance.
Main Results:
- CT is the primary tool for ruling out hemorrhage.
- Diffusion-weighted MR is highly sensitive for detecting early ischemic changes.
- Perfusion-weighted MR provides additional data for risk-benefit analysis of treatments like thrombolytics.
Conclusions:
- Advanced imaging, particularly diffusion and perfusion MR, significantly enhances the diagnosis and management of ischemic stroke.
- These techniques assist clinicians in making informed decisions regarding thrombolytic therapy and other interventions.
- Integrating imaging findings with stroke pathophysiology is key to optimizing patient care.