Keywords:
Neuroradiology brain, Emergency, MR, Imaging sequences, Diagnostic procedure, Ischaemia / Infarction
Authors:
S. Draghici, N. Rotaru, M. Levi, V. Wolff, P.-E. Zorn, A. Bogorin, M. Abu Eid, J.-L. Dietemann; Strasbourg/FR
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2013/C-2487
Purpose
The availability of Stroke Centres and increased MRI use has rendered the diagnosis of the ischemic stroke quicker and more efficient.
However with the patient's improved access to thrombolytic therapy,
the issue of increase in the false negative results on diffusion weighted MRI sequences in Stroke MRI protocols became apparent (fig.
2).
At the same time,
even if M1 occlusion is usually easily appreciated on TOF sequences,
M2 occlusions may sometimes rise interpretation problems and M3 occlusion even more so.
Our aim was thus to identify and demonstrate early stroke signs on conventional MRI sequences (FLAIR,
T2* and Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging) independent of Diffusion Weighted Imaging and Time Of Flight MR-angiography findings (fig.
3 and 4).
In our experience,
these signs could lead to a correct acute ischemic stroke diagnosis even when DWI and TOF findings are absent or discreet.