MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN POSTERIOR CIRCULATION INFARCTION: IMPACT ON DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT |
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| Authors: | S. M. DAVIS G. A. DONNAN B. M. TRESS L. KIERS R. DOWLING S. C. ROSSITER |
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| Affiliation: | Senior Assistant Neurologist, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic.;Staff Neurologist, Department of Neurology, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Vic;First Assistant, University of Melbourne, Department of Radiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic;Neurology Registrar, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic;Radiology Registrar, Department of Radiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic;Higginbotham Research Assistant, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic |
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| Abstract: | To compare the diagnostic yield of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with computed tomography (CT) in posterior circulation infarction, we used proton MRI with a 0.3 Tesla magnet and a 3rd generation CT scanner in 25 patients. Age-matched controls were compared in a blinded fashion. Seventeen patients (68%) showed relevant pathology on MRI not seen on CT, 11 with normal CT and six with more extensive lesions, chiefly in the brain stem. Evidence of abnormal vertebrobasilar blood flow was seen in 8/25 (32%) of patients, suggested by vascular high intensity signals on MRI. Two tissue and one flow abnormality were seen in the control group. MRI provides additional information concerning infarct site, extent and pathogenesis in posterior circulation infarction. |
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| Keywords: | Magnetic resonance imaging computed tomography posterior circulation infarction incidental lesions. |
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