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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Focal Cerebral Ischemia Model by Endovascular Suture Occlusion of the Middle Cerebral Artery in the Rat
Published on: February 5, 2011
Ischemic lesions related to cerebral angiography: Evaluation by diffusion weighted MR imaging
Koki Kato1, Noriaki Tomura, Satoshi Takahashi
1Department of Radiology, Ootawara Red Cross Hospital, 2-7-3 Sumiyoshi-cho, Ootawara, Tochigi 324-8686, Japan. katok@sea.plala.or.jp
Abstract:
We examined the incidence of ischemic lesions occurring after cerebral angiography by means of diffusion weighted MR imaging (DWI). Fifty patients were included in this study. Balloon occlusion tests of the internal carotid artery were performed in 9 of the 50 patients. DWI was performed on the same day as the cerebral angiography or on the following day. No new neurological deficits were found after cerebral angiography. However, 13 of the 50 cases revealed new ischemic lesions after cerebral angiography. The incidence of ischemic lesions was significantly different between patients who underwent balloon occlusion tests and patients who did not. The incidence of ischemic lesions was not influenced by the duration of the procedure, use of additional catheters, total amount of contrast material or the type of contrast material. The incidence of clinically silent ischemic lesions related to cerebral angiography is greater than the incidence of neurological complications. In patients who underwent occlusion tests of the internal carotid artery, the incidence of silent lesions was significantly higher than in patients who did not.
Insights
Cerebral angiography can cause silent ischemic lesions, detected by diffusion-weighted MRI. Balloon occlusion tests significantly increase the risk of these lesions, highlighting a critical safety consideration.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Vascular Imaging
Background:
- Cerebral angiography is a common diagnostic procedure.
- Potential complications include ischemic events.
- Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) is sensitive for detecting acute ischemic lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of new ischemic lesions after cerebral angiography using DWI.
- To investigate factors influencing lesion occurrence, including balloon occlusion tests.
Main Methods:
- Fifty patients undergoing cerebral angiography were included.
- Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) was performed post-procedure.
- Balloon occlusion tests of the internal carotid artery were conducted in a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- Thirteen out of 50 patients (26%) showed new ischemic lesions on DWI.
- No new neurological deficits were clinically observed.
- Patients undergoing balloon occlusion tests had a significantly higher incidence of ischemic lesions compared to those who did not.
Conclusions:
- Clinically silent ischemic lesions are more common after cerebral angiography than overt neurological complications.
- Balloon occlusion tests are associated with a significantly increased risk of silent ischemic lesions.
- Procedure duration, catheter use, and contrast material type did not influence lesion incidence.
