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[Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging in multiple cerebral infarction]
Abstract:
Serial examination of magnetic resonance images (MRI) for two months were carried out on two cases of multiple cerebral infarction during the acute stage. The T2-weighted MR images at the onset of the infarction showed both acute (new) and chronic (old) lesions appearing as high signal area. While on the diffusion weighted images only an acute lesion was detected as a high signal area with good contrast. The diffusion coefficient of the acute lesion was lower than that of normal white matter. Diffusion coefficient of the chronic lesions were higher than that of normal white matter. Therefore, on the apparent diffusion coefficient mapping images (ADC images) only an acute lesion appeared as a low signal area. The examination of diffusion images was very useful for distinguishing an acute lesion from a chronic lesion during the acute stage of multiple infarction. The diffusion weighted images after 4 weeks from the onset showed the diffusion coefficient of the "acute" lesion to be the same level of normal white matter. And after 8 weeks from the onset, increased to a level higher than that of normal white matter to the same level of the "chronic" lesion.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) effectively distinguishes acute from chronic cerebral infarction lesions. Acute lesions show low signal on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, aiding early diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Multiple cerebral infarctions present diagnostic challenges in differentiating acute from chronic lesions.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for evaluating brain tissue changes.
Observation:
- T2-weighted MRI showed both acute and chronic lesions as high signal areas.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) clearly identified acute lesions as high signal areas.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping revealed acute lesions as low signal areas.
Findings:
- Acute lesions had lower diffusion coefficients than normal white matter.
- Chronic lesions exhibited higher diffusion coefficients than normal white matter.
- DWI and ADC mapping distinguished acute from chronic lesions during the acute stage.
Implications:
- DWI and ADC mapping are valuable tools for early and accurate diagnosis of acute cerebral infarction.
- Understanding diffusion coefficient changes over time aids in lesion characterization.
- This technique improves the management of patients with multiple cerebral infarctions.