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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Protocol for Stroke Onset Time Estimation in Permanent Cerebral Ischemia
Published on: September 16, 2017
[Comparison of the fluid attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted imaging in the early brain stroke]
Marek Olszycki1, Piotr Grzelak, Romuald Biernacki
1Department of Radiology, Medical University of Łódź, Poland. sneczku@poczta.onet.pl
Unlabelled:
The aim of the study is to evaluate the reliability of the diffusion-weighted vs. FLAIR MR imaging in the cases of hyper acute brain stroke.
Material And Methods:
CT and MR standard and diffusion images observed in 29 patients affected with early brain stroke and reference CT in all the patients. Reference CT was performed 3-5 days later in all patients.
Results:
The pre- and post-contrast CT in 23 patients did not reveal any brain lesions. In contrary to CT areas of pathologic high signal were visualized well in diffusion MR in 20 of these patients, which supported early diagnosis. Discrete hiperintense lesions of the same locations were seen also in the FLAIR MR imaging in 19 of them. In the 6 patients CT revealed only discrete hipodense areas, which were seen more pronounced in the FLAIR and diffusion MR imaging. In the 3 cases even the second CT did not reveal stroke.
Conclusions:
The diffusion MR imaging in patients suspected of acute brain stroke reveals ischemic lesions earlier and more clearly than FLAIR imaging, which discrete presented the same pathological areas.
Insights
Diffusion MR imaging detects acute stroke lesions earlier and more clearly than FLAIR MR imaging. This study evaluated the reliability of both methods for diagnosing hyperacute brain stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of acute stroke is critical for effective treatment.
- Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are key diagnostic tools.
- Differentiating between diffusion-weighted (DW) and FLAIR MRI sequences for hyperacute stroke detection requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability of diffusion-weighted MRI versus FLAIR MRI in diagnosing hyperacute brain stroke.
- To compare the sensitivity and clarity of lesion visualization between DW-MRI and FLAIR-MRI.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 29 patients with suspected early brain stroke.
- Standard CT, diffusion-weighted MRI, and FLAIR MRI were performed.
- Reference CT scans were obtained 3-5 days post-initial imaging for comparison.
Main Results:
- Diffusion-weighted MRI visualized hyperintense signals, indicative of ischemic lesions, in 20 out of 29 patients, supporting early diagnosis.
- FLAIR MRI showed discrete hyperintense lesions in 19 patients at the same locations.
- CT scans were less sensitive, with some lesions only becoming apparent on later scans or remaining undetectable.
Conclusions:
- Diffusion-weighted MRI is superior to FLAIR MRI for earlier and clearer visualization of ischemic lesions in acute stroke.
- DW-MRI facilitates more prompt and accurate diagnosis of hyperacute brain stroke compared to FLAIR-MRI.
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