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Updated: Jun 29, 2026

MRI Mapping of Cerebrovascular Reactivity via Gas Inhalation Challenges
Published on: December 17, 2014
BOLD-MRI cerebrovascular reactivity findings in cocaine-induced cerebral vasculitis
Jay S Han1, Daniel M Mandell, Julien Poublanc
1Department of Physiology at the University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Background:
An 18-year-old woman presented to a regional stroke center with dysphasia and right hemiparesis 2 days after consuming alcohol and inhaling cannabis and -- for the first time -- cocaine.
Investigations:
Physical examination, blood tests for inflammatory markers, vasculitis and toxicology screen, echocardiography, electrocardiography, CT scanning, brain MRI, magnetic resonance angiography, magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging, catheter angiography, and correlation of blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD)-MRI signal intensity with changes in end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide.
Diagnosis:
Cocaine-induced cerebral vasculitis.
Management:
No specific therapy was initiated. The patient's vital signs and neurological status were monitored during her admission. Follow-up medical imaging was performed after the patient's discharge from hospital.
