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Subcortical low intensity in early cortical ischemia
1Department of Radiology, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Subcortical low intensity on MRI scans is a key indicator of early cortical ischemia. This finding, likely due to iron accumulation, aids in diagnosing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Cortical ischemia is a critical neurological condition.
- Early detection of cortical ischemia is essential for timely intervention.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays a vital role in diagnosing neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize subcortical low signal intensity on T2- and proton density-weighted MRI in early cortical ischemia.
- To investigate the underlying cause of these observed MRI findings.
Main Methods:
- Studied nine patients with early cortical ischemia using 1.5 T MRI.
- Acquired proton density-weighted, T2-weighted, and T1-weighted images.
- Administered gadolinium contrast enhancement in six patients.
Main Results:
- Consistently observed high to intermediate cortical intensity and low subcortical white matter intensity on PD- and T2-weighted images.
- No significant T1-weighted signal abnormalities in the subcortex; gyriform enhancement noted in the cortex.
- Follow-up MRI showed variable changes in subcortical low intensity in the chronic stage.
Conclusions:
- Subcortical low intensity on PD- and T2-weighted MRI is a significant sign of early cortical ischemia.
- Hypothesized that iron accumulation in the subcortex, resulting from disrupted axonal transport and free radical production in a hypoxic-ischemic state, causes reduced signal intensity.
- This MRI finding is crucial for the early diagnosis of cortical ischemia.