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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Protocol for Stroke Onset Time Estimation in Permanent Cerebral Ischemia
Published on: September 16, 2017
Ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging protocols in stroke
Martin J Graves1, Jean U-King-Im, Simon Howarth
1University of Cambridge Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, UK. mjg40@radiol.cam.ac.uk
Insights
Rapid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols are emerging to improve acute stroke diagnosis. Ultrafast MRI can overcome practical limitations, potentially making it the leading imaging choice for stroke intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, necessitating rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Thrombolysis is a key intervention for acute stroke, but requires timely diagnosis.
- Computed tomography (CT) is the current standard for acute stroke imaging due to its speed and availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in ultrafast imaging protocols for acute stroke.
- To explore the potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in acute stroke diagnosis.
- To address the practical challenges hindering MRI's widespread use in acute stroke settings.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent developments in ultrafast MRI techniques.
- Analysis of imaging speed and feasibility in acute stroke patients.
- Comparison of MRI capabilities with current CT protocols.
Main Results:
- Ultrafast MRI protocols show promise in enhancing speed and practicality.
- Advancements aim to overcome limitations of traditional MRI in emergency settings.
- Improved MRI feasibility could increase its role in acute stroke management.
Conclusions:
- Emerging ultrafast MRI protocols have the potential to revolutionize acute stroke imaging.
- Faster MRI could enhance therapeutic options and intervention success rates.
- MRI may become the preferred diagnostic tool for acute stroke with further protocol development.
Abstract:
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and morbidity in the Western world. Ever since the publication of the major randomized trials showing the benefit of thrombolysis in early acute stroke, there has been growing impetus for the diagnosis of acute stroke to become a medical emergency. Currently, computed tomography (CT) remains the diagnostic method of choice in the assessment of acute strokes. It is practical, rapid, and widely available and, as used in these trials, can robustly exclude acute hemorrhage before potential thrombolysis. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a number of advantages over unenhanced CT, the practicalities of performing MRI in the acute setting have hampered its widespread use. There are several reasons why speed of imaging is paramount in acute strokes. Firstly, such patients are often unwell and agitated and, as such, require close monitoring. Moreover, because of the short window within which intravenous thrombolysis can be given, time-consuming imaging studies decrease the therapeutic options available and likelihood of successful intervention. This review summarizes the latest developments in ultrafast imaging protocols that have the potential to improve practical feasibility, and thus propel MRI back to the forefront of acute stroke imaging.
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