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Computerized tomographic findings in cardiogenic cerebral embolism
Insights
CT scans reveal that most cardiogenic cerebral emboli cause nonhemorrhagic infarcts. Repeat CT scans are crucial for detecting delayed neurological deterioration, often due to infarct expansion or hemorrhage.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Cardiogenic cerebral emboli are a significant cause of ischemic stroke.
- Computed tomography (CT) is a primary imaging modality for evaluating acute stroke.
- Understanding CT findings is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review CT scan findings in patients with cardiogenic cerebral emboli.
- To characterize the types and frequency of infarcts observed.
- To assess the utility of repeat CT in cases of delayed neurological deterioration.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of CT scans from 50 patients.
- Analysis of infarct characteristics (hemorrhagic vs. nonhemorrhagic, single vs. multiple lesions).
- Evaluation of repeat CT findings in patients with delayed neurological decline.
Main Results:
- Nonhemorrhagic infarcts were identified in 38 cases (76%).
- Hemorrhagic infarcts were present in 12 cases (24%).
- Repeat CT in 6 of 9 patients with delayed deterioration showed increased mass effect or hemorrhagic transformation.
Conclusions:
- CT imaging frequently demonstrates nonhemorrhagic infarcts in cardiogenic cerebral emboli.
- Repeat CT is valuable for identifying complications like infarct expansion and hemorrhagic transformation, guiding patient management.
Abstract:
The CT scan findings in 50 patients with cardiogenic cerebral emboli are reviewed. In 38 cases there was CT evidence of a nonhemorrhagic infarct and in 12 cases there were findings consistent with a hemorrhagic infarct. There was a single infarct in 40 cases and more than one lesion in 10 cases. In 6 of 9 cases in which the patients showed delayed neurological deterioration, repeat CT showed an increase in mass effect (4 cases) or hemorrhagic transformation of the infarct (2 cases).