Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images
08:39

Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images

Published on: November 20, 2015

Focal laminar cortical infarcts following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

Stefan Weidauer1, Hartmut Vatter, Jürgen Beck

  • 1Institute of Neuroradiology, University of Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany. Stefan.Weidauer@kgu.de

Neuroradiology
|October 9, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Small band-like cortical infarcts after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can occur without significant vasospasm. These lesions, identified via MRI, suggest a reaction in distal vessels, distinct from typical infarcts.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can lead to various ischemic complications.
  • Cortical infarcts, particularly band-like lesions, represent a specific pattern of brain injury post-SAH.
  • Understanding the etiology of these infarcts is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze small band-like cortical infarcts following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
  • To correlate imaging findings from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) results.
  • To investigate the relationship between these infarcts and cerebral vasospasm (CVS).

Main Methods:

  • Prospective evaluation of 10 patients with aneurysmal SAH over a 5-year period.
  • Serial MRI, including diffusion- and perfusion-weighted images (DWI/PWI), performed post-aneurysm treatment.
  • Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) assessed using follow-up DSA around day 7 post-SAH.

Main Results:

  • Band-like infarcts were observed in the frontal, insular, and parietal lobes.
  • These infarcts occurred a mean of 5.8 days after SAH and were adjacent to sulcal clots.
  • Seven of ten patients had no or mild CVS; three had moderate to severe CVS.

Conclusions:

  • Aneurysmal SAH can result in cortical band-like infarcts.
  • Unlike territorial or lacunar infarcts, these cortical lesions may develop without evident macroscopic vasospasm.
  • This suggests a potential vasospastic reaction in the most distal superficial and intraparenchymal vessels.

More Related Videos

Focal Cerebral Ischemia Model by Endovascular Suture Occlusion of the Middle Cerebral Artery in the Rat13:50

Focal Cerebral Ischemia Model by Endovascular Suture Occlusion of the Middle Cerebral Artery in the Rat

Published on: February 5, 2011

Brain Infarct Segmentation and Registration on MRI or CT for Lesion-symptom Mapping10:25

Brain Infarct Segmentation and Registration on MRI or CT for Lesion-symptom Mapping

Published on: September 25, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.