Multiphase CT Angiography: A Useful Technique in Acute Stroke Imaging-Collaterals and Beyond

Multiphase CTA offers several important advantages over the traditional single-phase CTA technique in acute ischemic stroke, including improved detection of large-vessel occlusion, improved characterization of collateral status, improved tolerance of patient motion and poor hemodynamics, and higher interrater reliability. These benefits are gleaned at little additional cost in terms of time, risk to the patient, and capital expense. Existing data suggest that there are important benefits to using multiphase CTA in lieu of single-phase CTA in the initial vessel assessment of patients with acute stroke.