Transient disappearance of cerebral infarcts on CT scan, the so-called fogging effect

The fogging effect, whereby initially hypodense infarcts become isodense during the second and third week after the onset of stroke, was investigated in a prospective and consecutive series comprising 50 cases with completed stroke. CT scans were performed approximately 3 days, 10 days and 6 months after stroke. The fogging effect was found in 54% of cases. The hypodense areas reappeared on all scans at 5 months. Cerebral infarcts therefore may be overlooked or grossly underestimated if the scan is performed during the second and third week after stroke.