[MR investigations in stroke].

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Context:

• Cerebral circulation diagnostics have undergone significant advancements, particularly with Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging.
• These changes impact therapeutic strategies for ischemic stroke.
• The article focuses on digital imaging methods and their application in diagnosing cerebral circulation.

Purpose:

• To present digital imaging methods, emphasizing their role in cerebral circulation diagnostics.
• To discuss the theoretical background of diffusion and perfusion MR imaging and the significance of their mismatch.
• To explore recent controversies regarding mismatch theories and their impact on prognostic uncertainty.

Summary:

• The article details diffusion and perfusion MR imaging, highlighting the importance of mismatch in estimating ischemic event outcomes.
• It addresses emerging, debated theories on "negative" and "positive" mismatches, leading to prognostic uncertainty.
• The need for quantitative evaluation of diffusion, perfusion, and mismatch data is emphasized.
• The rise of multislice spiral CT and its capability for perfusion studies using iodinated contrast medium is also discussed.

Impact:

• Advances in digital imaging, especially MR and CT, are improving the diagnosis and prognosis of ischemic stroke.
• Quantitative analysis of imaging data is essential for resolving current uncertainties in predicting stroke outcomes.
• New imaging techniques offer enhanced capabilities for detailed cerebral circulation assessment.