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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Published on: January 18, 2018
Local thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke based on findings of diffusion and perfusion MRI
N Kitagawa1, M Morikawa, K Hayashi
1Department of Neurosurgery, Nagasaki University school of Medicine, Nagasaki; Japan - naoki-k@net.nagasaki-u.ac.jp.
Summary:
Cerebral per fusion and cerebral tissue integrity were studied in 13 patients with acute embolic stroke in the territory of the internal carotid artery by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) within six hours after onset. PWI/DWI mismatch lesion was depicted in six patients. MCA was occluded in five of six patients, who underwent local thrombolytic therapy. In three cases, complete restoration of the cerebral circulation was obtained and enlargement of irreversible brain damage compared to initial DWI lesion was prevented. Seven patients without PWI/DWI mismatch did not undergo thrombolytic therapy. Spontaneous reopening of occluded MCA was verified with subsequent cerebral angiography in one of seven patients. CT depicted symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage in this patient. It is concluded that DWI and PWI in combination are useful in selection of patients for thrombolytic therapy.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) help identify acute embolic stroke patients who benefit from thrombolytic therapy. Early imaging selection can prevent irreversible brain damage.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Acute embolic stroke in the internal carotid artery territory requires timely intervention.
- Assessing cerebral perfusion and tissue integrity is crucial for treatment decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) in selecting patients for thrombolytic therapy in acute embolic stroke.
- To correlate imaging findings with treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Studied 13 patients with acute embolic stroke within six hours of onset.
- Utilized diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI).
- Assessed for PWI/DWI mismatch and middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion.
Main Results:
- Six patients showed a PWI/DWI mismatch and underwent thrombolytic therapy for MCA occlusion.
- Three of these patients achieved complete reperfusion, preventing infarct expansion.
- Seven patients without mismatch did not receive thrombolysis; one experienced spontaneous MCA reopening and subsequent hemorrhage.
Conclusions:
- Combined DWI and PWI are valuable tools for selecting acute embolic stroke patients for thrombolytic therapy.
- Identifying PWI/DWI mismatch aids in predicting treatment response and preventing ischemic damage.
- Early imaging can guide therapeutic interventions and improve patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

