Fast magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging of acute human stroke.

Rapid MRI of the molecular diffusion of water demonstrated cerebral infarcts in 32 patients. We studied these patients at various times following the onset of ischemic symptoms and found that diffusion-weighted imaging revealed the infarcts sooner than conventional T2-weighted spin-echo imaging did; four hyperacute infarcts were shown only by diffusion-weighted imaging. Acute infarcts had lower apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) than noninfarcted regions did. This relative difference in ADC reached a nadir in the first 24 hours and rose progressively thereafter. Chronic infarcts showed a relative increase in diffusion and were readily distinguishable from acute infarcts. The technique takes less than 2 minutes to apply using a standard 1.5-tesla scanner in the clinical setting. Diffusion-weighted imaging has the potential to play a role in improving the early anatomic diagnosis of stroke and therefore in the development and implementation of early stroke interventions.     

弥散加权成像在超急性期脑梗死诊断中的应用

目的 将磁共振弥散加权成像（DWI）与常规MR技术作对比。评价DWI对超急性期脑梗死诊断的准确性和敏感性。方法 对52例超急性期，急性期，亚急性期，慢性期的患者行DWI，快速自旋回波T2WI，FLAIR及3DTOF法磁共振血管成像检查。对所有病例的病变部位均按神经解剖进行准确定位并与患者的症状，体征相联系。结果 超急性期和急性期脑梗死在DWI图像上表现为高信号，在表观弥散系数（ADC）图上表现为低信号，ADC值低于对侧相应的区域。在超急性期和急性期，病灶的ADC值显著下降,rADC值也明显下降。平均下降约59.12%。而在慢性期ADC值明显升高，甚至较正常组织还高，平均升高达20.3%。结论 DWI对6h症状起病的急性卒中的诊断明显高于传统MRI，DWI可以在超急期发现缺血病灶，早于常规T2WI及FLAR序列图像。DWI对脑梗死的早期诊断及评价起重要的作用。     

Characterizing the diffusion/perfusion mismatch in experimental focal cerebral ischemia

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) can rapidly detect lesions in acute ischemic stroke patients. The PWI volume is typically substantially larger than the DWI volume shortly after onset, that is, a diffusion/ perfusion mismatch. The aims of this study were to follow the evolution of the diffusion/ perfusion mismatch in permanent and 60- minute temporary focal experimental ischemia models in Sprague-Dawley rats using the intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method. DWI and arterial spin-labeled PWI were performed at 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes after occlusion and lesion volumes (mm(3)) calculated At 24 hours after MCAO, and infarct volume was determined using triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. In the permanent MCAO group, the lesion volume on the ADC maps was significantly smaller than that on the cerebral blood flow maps through the first 60 minutes after MCAO; but not after 90 minutes of occlusion. With 60 minutes of transient ischemia, the diffusion/perfusion mismatch was similar, but after reperfusion, the lesion volumes on ADC and cerebral blood flow maps became much smaller. There was a significant difference in 24- hour infarct volumes between the permanent and temporary occlusion groups.     

核磁共振脑灌注成像及DWI联合应用在诊断早期脑梗死缺血半暗带中的临床价值

目的 探讨核磁共振脑部灌注加权成像(PWI)及脑部弥散加权成像(DWI)联合应用在诊断早期脑梗死缺血半暗带中的临床价值。方法 本研究中的受试对象均来自2016年1月-2017年4月来本院就诊的脑梗死患者,选出符合纳入标准的100例作为研究对象,并根据脑梗死发生时间分成超急性期、急性期、亚急性期和慢性期,分别观察PWI和DWI表现,以表观弥散系数(ADC)为DWI的检测评价指标,以局部脑血容量(rCBV)、局部脑血流量(rCBF)、平均通过时间(MTT)和达峰时间(TTP)为PWI的检测评价指标,并比较不同时期脑梗死的PWI和DWI表现。结果 随着脑梗死患者发病时间的延长,T₂WI显示信号随之增高,DWI信号随之降低,ADC信号随之增高。随着梗死时间延长,梗死区ADC值随之增加,健侧对应区随着梗死时间的变化,ADC值无明显变化; 在每个不同分期中健侧对应区的ADC值均高于梗死区(P均<0.05); 超急性期rCBV和rCBF值均为降低信号,MTT和TTP均为升高信号; 急性期rCBV、rCBF、MTT和TTP值在三种信号上均有表现,但rCBV和rCBF值均以降低信号为主,MTT和TTP均以升高信号为主; 亚急性期中rCBV和rCBF为正常和降低信号,其中以正常信号为主,MTT和TTP均为降低和升高信号,并以升高信号为主; 慢性期rCBV和rCBF均表现为降低信号,MTT和TTP均为降低和升高信号,并以降低信号为主; 超急性期DWIPWI均有表现,并以DWIPWI均有表现,并以DWIPWI为主; 亚急性期DWI=PWI和DWI>PWI均有表现,并以DWI=PWI为主; 慢性期均为DWI=PWI。结论 PWI联合DWI对脑梗死早期的诊断价值较高,PWI对缺血半暗带有较好的诊断,其与DWI相结合可更准确地判定缺血半暗带。     

表观弥散系数对确定急性缺血性卒中缺血半暗带的潜在价值

目的 探讨表观弥散系数（apparent diffusion coefficient,ADC）对确定急性缺血性卒中缺血半暗带的潜在价值。 方法 选择发病9 h内完成多模式磁共振成像（magnetic resonance imaging,MRI）检查的前循环急性缺血性卒中患者49例。应用自制软件进行灌注加权像（perfusion-weighted imaging,PWI）和弥散加权像（diffusion-weighted imaging,DWI）异常区域的体积测量。缺血半暗带以PWI/DWI错配表示。同时采用全自动图像分析系统,以DWI图像计算得到的ADC图作为输入数据,来判断缺血半暗带的存在（以下简称为ADC方法）,然后比较这两种方法在判断缺血半暗带方面的差异。 结果 入选的49例患者中,存在PWI/DWI错配者为43例,符合ADC方法判断缺血半暗带标准者有41例。这两种方法在判断是否存在缺血半暗带的结果中有41例相符,对判断缺血半暗带的差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。ADC方法判断缺血半暗带的敏感度为88.4%、特异度为50.0%。 结论 由于不需做PWI检查,ADC方法对确定缺血半暗带具有潜在的临床实用价值,有可能成为一种简便易行的确定缺血半暗带的方法。     

磁共振多层并采扩散峰度成像与传统扩散加权成像识别急性缺血性卒中梗死核心的研究

目的与磁共振成像(magnetic resonance imaging,MRI)传统扩散加权成像(diffusion weighted imaging,DWI)对比,探讨MRI多层并采扩散峰度成像(multi-band EPI diffusion kurtosis imaging,m-DKI)界定急性缺血性卒中梗死核心的准确性。方法选择在发病3~8 h进行MRI检查的急性缺血性卒中患者,所有患者经灌注加权成像(perfusion weighted imaging,PWI)判定不存在缺血半暗带,没有接受静脉溶栓/动脉取栓治疗。基线扫描时加入传统DWI以及m-DKI序列,并在患者发病亚急性期([7±1)d]复查MRI扫描,利用Mricron软件分别对基线MRI检查表观扩散系数(apparent diffusion coefficient,ADC)图,平均扩散峰度(mean kurtosis,MK)图以及复查MRI T_1加权成像(T_1 weighted imaging,T_1WI)责任病灶体积进行测量,分别计算ADC图、MK图与T_1WI责任病灶体积的差值,并进行比较。结果入组的19例患者,1例患者DWI显示缺血病灶,但MK图及复查MRI均未见责任病灶;1例患者病灶位于基底节区附近,影响MK图责任病灶观察及测量。余17例患者MK图显示责任病灶的体积与亚急性期T_1WI责任病灶体积的差值为(0.25±0.37),而ADC图显示责任病灶的体积与亚急性期T_1WI体积的差值为(0.73±0.72)(t=3.968,P=0.001)。MK图责任病灶的体积更接近T_1WI的体积。结论与传统DWI相比,基线m-DKI显示责任病灶的体积更接近复查T_1WI的体积,对最终梗死核心的界定更为准确。     

Early magnetic resonance imaging prediction of arterial recanalization and late infarct volume in acute carotid artery stroke.

In patients with acute ischemic stroke, early recanalization may save tissue at risk for ischemic infarction, thus resulting in smaller infarcts and better clinical outcome. The hypothesis that clinical and diffusion- and perfusion-weighted imaging (DWI, PWI) parameters may have a predictive value for early recanalization and final infarct size was assessed. Twenty-nine patients were prospectively enrolled and underwent sequential magnetic resonance imaging (1) within 6 hours from hemispheric stroke onset, before thrombolytic therapy; (2) at day 1; and (3) at day 60. Late infarct volume was assessed by T2 -weighted imaging. At each time, clinical status was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Twenty-eight patients had arterial occlusion at day 0 magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). They were classified into two groups according to day 1 MRA: recanalization (n = 18) versus persistent occlusion (n = 10). Any significant differences between these groups were assessed regarding (1) PWI and DWI abnormality volumes, (2) relative and absolute time-to-peak (TTP) and apparent diffusion coefficient within the lesion on DWI; and (3) day 60 lesion volume on T2 -weighted imaging. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the most powerful predictive factors for recanalization were lower baseline NIHSS score and lower baseline absolute TTP within the lesion on DWI. The best predictors of late infarct size were day 0 lesion volume on DWI and day 1 recanalization. Early PWI and DWI studies and day 1 MRA provide relevant predictive information on stroke outcome.     

Usefulness of diffusion-weighted MRI in the diagnosis of transient ischemic attacks]

Diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI) has been demonstrated to be valuable for assessment of ischemic stroke patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical usefulness of DWI in the diagnosis of transient ischemic attack(TIA). Nineteen patients with symptoms of TIA were studied. DWI was taken with 1.5 Tesla MRI system using spin echo EPI sequence. Seven patients revealed areas of hyperintensity (brightness) on DWI and of hypointensity on apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) maps relative to normal brain. As the duration of TIA symptom elongated, the percentage of patients with DWI abnormalities became higher. DWI enabled to detect areas of hyperintense lesion in all three patients as early as 3 hours after the onset, while conventional T2 weighted imaging showed in one. All the DWI abnormalities were irreversible in spite of the complete recovery from TIA. DWI is an useful technique for the detection of responsible lesions in TIA. However, TIA cannot be ruled out even if DWI does not demonstrate any abnormal signals.     

Magnetic resonance imaging and clinical patterns of patients with 'spectacular shrinking deficit' after acute middle cerebral artery stroke

BACKGROUND: Rapid resolution of neurological deficits after severe middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke has been coined spectacular shrinking deficit (SSD). We studied clinical and MRI patterns in patients with SSD. METHODS: Patients with acute MCA stroke <6 h were examined by stroke MRI (perfusion- and diffusion-weighted imaging (PWI, DWI), MR angiography (MRA)) at admission, day 1 and day 7. SSD was defined as a > or =8-point-reduction of neurological deficit in the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) to a score of < or =4 within 24 h. PWI and DWI lesion volumes were measured on ADC (ADC < 80%) and time to peak maps (TTP > +4 s). Recanalization was assessed by MRA after 24 h. Final infarct volumes were defined on T2 weighted images at day seven. Outcome was assessed after 90 days using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Barthel Index (BI). RESULTS: SSD was present in 14 of 104 patients. Initial DWI and PWI lesion volumes were smaller in SSD patients - ADC < 80%: 8.9 (4.3-20.5) vs. 30 (0-266.7) ml; TTP > +4 s: 91.6 (29.7-205.8) vs. 131.5 (0-311.5) ml. Early recanalization was associated with SSD resulted in smaller final infarct volumes (11.9 (2.4-25.9) vs. 47.7 (1.2-288.5)). All SSD patients were independent at day 90 (mRS 0 (0-2); BI 100). CONCLUSION: The clinical syndrome of SSD is reflected by a typical MRI pattern with small initial DWI and PWI lesion volumes, timely recanalization and small final infarct volumes.     

DWI在超急性期脑出血诊断中的临床应用研究

目的:评价磁共振弥散加权成像(DWI)对超急性期脑出血诊断的准确性。方法:对卒中样起病,发病时间在6h以内,因怀疑缺血性脑血管病急诊行头部MRI检查,按文献Schellinger描述的超急性期脑出血MRI特征初步诊断脑出血,并随即行头部CT证实。10例患者均进行DWI、ADC图和常规MRI扫描,测算不同序列血肿体积,并与头部CT进行比较。结果:10例MRI初步诊断脑出血的患者均经CT确诊为脑出血,敏感性和特异性均为100%,超急性期脑出血血肿DWI的特征性表现为高低混杂信号,磁共振T2WI?DWI和ADC图显示血肿体积均大于CT,差异有显著性(P<0.01);而T1WI与CT的血肿体积无显著差异(P>0.05)。结论:DWI对超急性期脑出血诊断准确,有重要临床应用价值。     

Clinical utility of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of ischemic stroke

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) detects small changes in water diffusion that occur in ischemic brain. This study evaluated the clinical usefulness of a phase-navigated spin-echo DWI sequence compared with T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (T2W MRI) in patients with cerebral ischemia and assessed apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) changes over time. ADC values and T2 ratios of image intensity were measured from the region of ischemia and from the corresponding contralateral brain region. The clinical histories of patients with DWI scans obtained over the course of 1 year were reviewed to ascertain whether DWI aided in clinical diagnosis or management. Of 103 scans obtained a mean of 10.4 days after symptom onset, DWI detected six lesions not seen on T2WI and discriminated two new infarcts from old lesions. DWI was most useful within 48 hours of the ictus. The evolution of ADC values and T2 ratios was evaluated in 26 cases with known symptom onset times. ADC values were low at less than 1 week after stroke onset and became elevated at chronic time points. T2 ratios were near normal acutely, increasing thereafter. DWI was superior to T2W MRI in detecting acute stroke, whereas both techniques assisted in determining lesion age.     

Middle cerebral artery occlusion during MR-imaging: investigation of the hyperacute phase of stroke using a new in-bore occlusion model in rats

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides insights into the dynamics of focal cerebral ischemia. Usually, experimental stroke is induced outside the magnet bore, preventing investigators from acquiring pre-ischemic images for later pixel-by-pixel comparisons and from studying the earliest changes in the hyperacute phase of ischemia. Herein, we introduce a new and easy to apply in-bore occlusion protocol based on the intraarterial embolization of ceramic macrospheres. PE-50 tubing, filled with saline and six macrospheres (0.315-0.355 mm in diameter), was placed into the internal carotid artery (ICA) of anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. The animals were transferred into an MRI scanner (7.0 T) and baseline diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2-imaging was performed. Then the macrospheres were injected into the internal artery to occlude the MCA. Post-ischemic DWI and T2-imaging was started immediately thereafter. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) (a marker for cytotoxic brain edema) and T2-relaxation time (a marker for vasogenic brain edema) were determined in the ischemic lesions and compared to the unaffected hemisphere. ADC significantly declined within the first 5-10 min after stroke onset. T2-relaxation time increased as early as at the first T2-imaging time-point (20-35 min after embolization). After 150 min of ischemia, the lesions covered 18.0 +/- 7.4% of the hemispheres. The model failed in one out of nine animals (11%). This model allows MR-imaging from the initial minutes after permanent middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. It does not permit reperfusion. This technique might provide information about the pathophysiological processes in the hyperacute phase of stroke.     

Evaluation of early reperfusion and i.v. tPA therapy using diffusion- and perfusion-weighted MRI.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the effects of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) therapy and early reperfusion on diffusion-weighted (DWI) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) changes observed following acute ischemic injury. METHODS: Twelve patients were evaluated prospectively using echo planar DWI and bolus tracking PWI. Six patients received i.v. rt-PA 0.9 mg/kg and were compared with six patients who did not. Patients receiving rt-PA were initially imaged (T1) 3 to 5 hours postictus (mean, 4 hours 20 minutes) whereas those not treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) were imaged 4 to 7 hours postictus (mean, 5 hours, 25 minutes). Follow-up imaging was performed 3 to 6 hours (T2), 24 to 36 hours (T3), 5 to 7 days (T4), and 30 days (T5) after the first scan in all patients. Lesion volumes were measured on both DWI and time-to-peak maps constructed from PW images. RESULTS: PWI was performed successfully at T1 and T3 in 11 of 12 patients. In the group that received i.v. tPA, initial PWI volumes were less than DWI volumes in five of six patients (83%), whereas only one of five patients (20%) not receiving tPA had PWI < DWI volume (p = 0.08). PWI normalized by 24 to 36 hours (T3) in 6 of 11 patients (early reperfusers), with 5 of 6 of these early reperfusers having received tPA. The aggregate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values for the early reperfusers were consistently higher at T2 (p = 0.04), T3 (p = 0.002), and T4 (p = 0.0005). Five of six patients with early reperfusion demonstrated regions of elevated ADC within the ischemic zone (mean ipsilateral ADC/contralateral ADC, 1.46 +/- 0.19) by 24 to 36 hours, whereas none of the nonearly reperfusers showed these regions of elevated ADC (p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Early reperfusion is seen more frequently with i.v. tPA therapy. In addition, the study showed that ADC may undergo early increases that are tied closely to reperfusion, and marked ADC heterogeneity may exist within the same lesion. Early reperfusion is seen more frequently with i.v. tPA therapy.     

Diffusion weighted imaging,apparent diffusion coefficient maps and stroke etiology

OBJECTIVE : In acute ischemic stroke, the number and distribution of lesions on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) have been shown to give clues to the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms. The objective of this study was to determine whether lesion features on DWI differ between stroke due to large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) and cardioembolism (CE), and to assess the role of apparent diffusion coefficient maps (ADC). METHODS : We retrospectively studied 83 consecutive patients with stroke caused by either LAA (n=40) or cardioembolism (n=43). DWI lesions were characterized by number, size, distribution (i. e. lesion pattern) and signal intensity on ADC maps. In part A, all hyperintense DWI lesions regardless of their ADC were compared. In part B, only hyperintense DWI lesions with hypointense appearance on ADC maps (i. e. acute lesions) were assessed. RESULTS : Part A: The frequency of multiple hyperintense DWI lesions (LAA: 28/40, CE: 21/43; p< 0.05) and the lesion number (LAA 4.7+/- 4.9; CE: 3.1+/- 4.7; p=0.01) were higher in LAA-patients. Involvement of >1 circulation (i. e. anterior plus posterior or bilateral anterior circulations) was present in 5 LAA-patients (13 %) and 4 CE-patients (9 %). Lesion size did not differ between LAA-stroke (35.1+/- 33.7 mm) and CE-stroke (35.4+/- 27.8 mm). Part B: Multiple hyperintense DWI lesions with low ADC occurred in 23/40 LAA-patients and in 15/43 CE-patients (p<0.05). Lesions in >1 circulation occurred only in CE-stroke (n=3; 7%) and never in LAA-stroke. CONCLUSIONS : (1) Multiple ischemic lesions occur significantly more often in LAA-stroke than in CE-stroke. (2) ADC maps are important in the comparison of DWI lesion patterns; DWI lesions in >1 circulation can only be assigned to a cardioembolic etiology if they appear hypointense on ADC maps.     

Diffusion weighted MR imaging on a low-field open magnet. Comparison with findings at 1.5T in 18 patients with cerebral ischemia

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) is particularly sensitive for the detection of acute stoke. Until recently, DWI was performed with EPI technology. We compared 18 patients with clinical suspicion of acute stroke on a standard 1.5T unit and an open low-field MR scanner. Eighteen patients with 20 lesions of acute stroke were studied retrospectively with DWI and ADC mapping on both systems. The technique used was a rotating fast-spin echo T2 at low-field and an EPI sequence at 1.5T. Both examinations were performed within 24 hours and analyzed by two neuroradiologists. We obtained the same results on DWI sequences on both systems, regarding high intensity lesions on DWI. Interpretation of the ADC maps proved to be difficult on low-field MR near the lateral ventricles (3/18). We experienced the same difficulty of interpretation at low and high field in the cerebellum, in the temporal fossa and in cortex situated near bone, due to susceptibility artifacts. Chronic lesions were better visualized at low than at high field. In our opinion, DWI on a low-field open MR scanner is a good technique to evaluate subacute stroke and was as reliable as when performed on a 1.5T MR system.     

Clinical and radiological correlates of reduced cerebral blood flow measured using magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND: Methods for determining cerebral blood flow (CBF) using bolus-tracking magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have recently become available. Reduced apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of brain tissue are associated with reductions in regional CBF in animal stroke models. OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical and radiological features of patients with severe reductions in CBF on MRI and to analyze the relationship between reduced CBF and ADCs in acute ischemic stroke. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Referral center. METHODS: We studied 17 patients with nonlacunar acute ischemic stroke in whom perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) were performed within 7 hours of symptom onset. A PWI-DWI mismatch of more than 20% was required. We compared patients with ischemic lesions that had CBF of less than 50% relative to the contralateral hemisphere with patients with lesions that had relative CBF greater than 50%. Characteristics analyzed included age, time to MRI, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, mean ADC, DWI and PWI lesion volumes, and 1-month Barthel Index score. RESULTS: Patients with low CBF (n = 5) had lower ADC values (median, 430 x 10 (-6) mm(2)/s vs. 506 x 10 (-6) mm(2)/s; P =.04), larger DWI volumes (median, 41.8 cm(3) vs. 14.5 cm(3); P =.001) and larger PWI lesions as defined by the mean transit time volume (median, 194.6 cm(3) vs. 69.3 cm(3); P =.01), and more severe baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (median, 15 vs. 9; P =.02). CONCLUSION: Ischemic lesions with severe CBF reductions, measured using bolus-tracking MRI, are associated with lower mean ADCs, larger DWI and PWI volumes, and higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores.     

Acute human stroke studied by whole brain echo planar diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

Our purpose was to use whole brain echo planar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify and characterize diffusion abnormalities in acute cerebral ischemia. We studied 40 patients as early as 3 hours after onset of signs and symptoms of cerebral ischemia. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the entire brain could be completed in 3 seconds or, using seven different diffusion sensitivities (maximum b=1,271 sec/²), in 48 seconds. Measurements and synthetic maps were made of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC), a physiological parameter that characterizes the self-diffusion of water in tissue. Early ischemic lesions were identified with DWI as hyperintense regions of decreased ADC in all patients who subsequently developed infarction, before changes were evident on conventional MRI in cases studied earlier than 6 hours after onset of ischemic symptoms. Lesions as small as 4 mm in diameter were identified. The extent of lesions within white matter was best defined by controlling for the anisotropic effect of axonal orientation. The mean ADC (± SD) for control regions in the 36 patients was 9.15 (± 2.91) × 10^?4 mm²/sec. Mean ADC of ischemic regions was 56% of control values at 6 hours or less and stayed significantly reduced for 3 to 4 days after onset of ischemia. The relative ADC increased progressively over time to be pseudonormalized at 5 to 10 days and elevated in the chronic state, making the distinction of acute lesions adjacent to chronic infarcts readily apparent. DWI with echo planar imaging measures a unique physiological parameter that is sensitive to ischemic changes before conventional MRI. Its potential role in the quantitative study of human stroke pathophysiology and therapeutics is the subject of further investigation.     

磁共振弥散成像在超急性缺血性脑梗死诊断中的研究

目的评价磁共振扩散加权成像（DWI）和表观扩散系数（ADC）图对超急性期脑梗死的诊断价值。方法对17例以卒中样发病6h以内、临床怀疑脑梗死的患者进行单次激发平面回波DWI和常规T2WI扫描,测定梗死灶和对侧相应部位正常脑组织的ADC值。结果DWI上表现为高信号,ADC图上表现为低信号,病灶ADC值较对侧相应区域明显下降者,诊断为脑梗死阳性,共15例,其最终临床诊断均为超急性脑梗死;阴性2例,其最终临床诊断均为短暂性脑缺血发作。DWI和ADC图诊断超急性期脑梗死的敏感性和特异性均为100％,比常规T。wI有更高的敏感性与特异性。结论DWI和ADC图对超急性期脑梗死的诊断中发挥重要作用。     

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance in deep cerebral venous thrombosis

Changes in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) are well established in acute ischemic stroke of arterial origin. However, ADC behaviour and its prognostic significance in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) are not fully understood. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) findings in a 34-year old woman with deep cerebral venous thrombosis are described. Recent literature concerning DWI and cerebral venous thrombosis is also reviewed. A MRI performed within 7 hours from onset revealed hyperintensities in deep grey matter bilaterally (FLAIR/T2), without changes in ADC maps, suggesting vasogenic edema. After anticoagulation a new MRA disclosed complete recanalization of venous thrombosis. Despite her good clinical outcome the MRI showed hemorrhagic lesions suggesting venous infarct. Lesions detected in acute CVT with DWI may have normal ADC values. There is no good correlation between the acute ADC values and clinical and radiological evolution. The prognostic value of ADC in the acute phase of CVT remains unsettled.     

Absent middle cerebral artery flow predicts the presence and evolution of the ischemic penumbra

OBJECTIVES: In acute ischemic stroke the pattern of a perfusion-imaging (PI) lesion larger than the diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion may be a marker of the ischemic penumbra. We hypothesized that acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion would predict the presence of presumed "penumbral" patterns (PI > DWI), ischemic core evolution, and stroke outcome. METHODS: Echoplanar PI, DWI, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) were performed in 26 patients with MCA territory stroke. Imaging and clinical studies (Canadian Neurological Scale, Barthel Index, and Rankin Scale) were performed within 24 hours of onset and repeated at days 4 and 90. RESULTS: MCA flow was absent in 9 of 26 patients. This was associated with larger acute PI and DWI lesions, greater PI/DWI mismatch, early DWI lesion expansion, larger final infarct size, worse clinical outcome (p < 0.01) and provided independent prognostic information (multiple linear regression analysis, p < 0.05). Acute penumbral patterns were present in 14 of 26 patients. Most of these patients (9 of 14) had no MCA flow, whereas all nonpenumbral patients (PI < or = DWI lesion) had MCA flow (p < 0.001). Penumbral-pattern patients with absent MCA flow had greater DWI lesion expansion (p < 0.05) and worse clinical outcome (Rankin Scale score, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Absent MCA flow on MRA predicts the presence of a presumed penumbral pattern on acute PI and DWI and worse stroke outcome. Combined MRA, PI, and DWI can identify individual patients at risk of ischemic core progression and the potential to respond to thrombolytic therapy beyond 3 hours.