Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
06:45
Integrated Photoacoustic, Ultrasound, and Angiographic Tomography (PAUSAT) for NonInvasive Whole-Brain Imaging of Ischemic Stroke
Published on: June 2, 2023
Perfusion differences on SPECT and PWI in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Juho Nuutinen1, Yawu Liu, Mikko P Laakso
1Department of Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland.
Neuroradiology
|July 24, 2009
Summary
Technetium-99m-labeled ethylcysteinate dimer single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) detects larger ischemic stroke perfusion defects later than perfusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (PWI). SPECT also better predicts long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Ischemic stroke diagnosis relies on accurate assessment of cerebral blood flow (CBF) deficits.
- Perfusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (PWI) and technetium-99m-labeled ethylcysteinate dimer single photon emission computed tomography ((99m)Tc-ECD-SPECT) are advanced imaging techniques for evaluating CBF.
- Comparing these modalities in acute and subacute ischemic stroke is crucial for understanding their respective diagnostic and prognostic values.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare flow defect volumes between PWI and (99m)Tc-ECD-SPECT in acute and subacute ischemic stroke.
- To analyze the relationship between imaging findings and neurological status.
- To evaluate the predictive value of each imaging method for clinical outcomes at 3 months.
Main Methods:
- 22 patients with first-ever acute supratentorial ischemic stroke underwent PWI and (99m)Tc-ECD-SPECT within 48 hours and on day 8 post-stroke.
- Neurological status was assessed before imaging.
- Clinical outcomes were evaluated at 3 months.
Main Results:
- CBF defect volumes were similar between SPECT and PWI within 48 hours.
- On day 8, SPECT showed significantly larger CBF defect volumes than PWI (p=0.03).
- (99m)Tc-ECD-SPECT demonstrated a stronger correlation with neurological status and better prediction of 3-month clinical outcomes compared to PWI on day 8.
Conclusions:
- Both (99m)Tc-ECD-SPECT and PWI can detect cerebral hypoperfusion in ischemic stroke patients.
- (99m)Tc-ECD-SPECT offers greater accuracy for delayed outcomes, aiding prognosis and rehabilitation planning.
- The choice of imaging modality may depend on the timing of assessment and the specific clinical question.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique based on a phenomenon of nuclear physics discovered in the 1930s, in which matter exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves was found to emit radio signals. In 1970, a physician and researcher named Raymond Damadian noticed that malignant (cancerous) tissue gave off different signals than normal body tissue. He applied for a patent for the first MRI scanning device in clinical use by the early 1980s. The early MRI...
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
Understanding and evaluating diffusion and perfusion is critical in assessing a patient's respiratory and circulatory health. These processes play key roles in maintaining the body's internal environment, ensuring that tissues receive adequate oxygen while waste products are efficiently removed.
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...