CT, MR imaging, and MR angiography in the evaluation of patients with acute stroke

The patient with acute stroke presents a full challenge to the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of medicine in all forms, from community through tertiary care. Patients with brain damage in the ischemic, but not yet infarcted, phase have the greatest potential for recovery. Herein, the author reviews the most commonly employed diagnostic tools that are currently used before stroke therapy. The logistical demands of emergency evaluation of a patient at a given institution often dictate which modality can and should be practically applied. Any of the available modalities, when used well, can offer pertinent diagnostic and even predictive information to assist in the quick, accurate classification of patients to the most appropriate treatment group.