Diffusion- and perfusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in deep cerebral venous thrombosis

BACKGROUND: Diffusion-weighted (DWI) and perfusion-weighted (PI) MRI are highly sensitive techniques for early diagnosis of arterial infarction, but little data on venous cerebral ischemia are available. We describe a case in which DWI, PI, and fast T2-weighted sequences were performed in the acute phase of deep cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). CASE DESCRIPTION: An 11-year-old girl with Crohn's disease developed deep CVT in which extensive edema was shown in the deep gray matter on T2-weighted sequence images. Isotropic echo-planar DWI demonstrated a local augmentation of the apparent diffusion coefficient (1.1 to 1.6x10(-3) mm2/s), consistent with vasogenic edema. In dynamic contrast-enhanced PI, the regional cerebral blood volume was increased and the passage time of the contrast bolus was markedly prolonged. Clinically, the patient recovered totally after intravenous full-dose heparinization. T2 abnormalities, apparent diffusion coefficient values (0.8 to 0.92x10(-3) mm2/s), and brain perfusion alterations resolved without damage to brain tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike arterial infarction, DWI demonstrated vasogenic edema in a patient with deep CVT, which proved to be reversible in follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. PI showed areas with extensive venous congestion, but perfusion deficits were missing. Therefore, we believe that DWI and PI may play a role in detecting venous congestion in CVT and in prospective differentiation of vasogenic edema and venous infarction.     

Diffusion-weighted mr in cerebral venous thrombosis

The diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis is often difficult both clinically and radiologically and until now there is no method available to predict if brain lesions, detected clinically and using conventional brain imaging methods, may lead to full recovery, as expected in vasogenic edema or ischemic infarcts and even a hematoma. New fast neuroimaging techniques such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) are sensitive to different reasons of changes in local tissular water concentration thus giving further insight into the pathophysiological mechanism as well as prognosis of cerebral venous thrombosis. We report the cases of 18 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis based on clinical and imaging criteria. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, which comprised isotropic diffusion-weighted MR. Diffusion-weighted MRI showed positive findings in 17/18 cases. In 7 cases the clot could be directly visualized as an area of hyperintensity in the affected vein on DWI. In 7 cases DWI showed areas of signal loss corresponding to hematomas. In 6 cases DWI showed changes in signal intensity that were more subtle. In 4 cases of superficial venous thrombosis, there were areas of decreased ADC values (0.65-0.79 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) whereas in 2 cases of deep venous thrombosis, increased DWI intensities could be found that corresponded to both an increase and a decrease in ADC, corresponding to a coexistence of cytotoxic and vasogenic edemas. Diffusion-weighted MRI can demonstrate directly the presence of an intravenous clot in a select number of patients. It can also demonstrate early ischemic changes, and can differentiate conventional T2-weighted MR areas of cytotoxic from vasogenic edema.     

Perfusion and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging in human cerebral venous thrombosis

Background Diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is usually achieved by digital subtraction angiography or magnetic resonance angiography, while structural brain tissue damage can be assessed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using perfusion and diffusion weighted imaging (PWI, DWI) we aimed in this study to identify pathophysiological patterns corresponding to only functional and hence reversible tissue involvement. Methods PWI, DWI, and conventional MRI were performed in six CVT patients acutely and after 16–26 days when their clinical condition had improved. All patients were treated with partial thromboplastin time-effective intravenous heparin. After intravenous administration of a paramagnetic contrast agent, bolus track PWI allows pixel based determination of mean transit time (MTT) and cerebral blood volume (CBV). DWI was performed with two different b values (0, 1000 s/mm²) for calculation of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. Results In five of six cases increased MTT values were observed initially, whereas the CBV was normal, indicating a reduction of cerebral blood flow. ADC values were normal. On follow up after clinical recovery MTT prolongations had resolved. Areas with prolonged MTT did not evolve into structural lesions. Conclusion In patients with CVT, prolongations of MTT in the absence of changes in CBV and ADC seem to indicate reversible involvement of brain tissue, a situation corresponding to the ischaemic penumbra. Received: 20 June 2000 / Received in revised form: 27 November 2000 / Accepted: 19 January 2001     

脑静脉系统血栓形成43例临床分析

目的 探讨腩静脉系统血栓形成(cerebral venous thrombosis,CVT)的病因、临床特征、诊断及治疗.方法 回顾性分析43例CVT患者临床资料,总结CVT的临床特点、影像学特征、诊断、治疗及转归.结果 CVT多见于中青年,多为急性起病,大部分可找到相关病因,最常见的首发症状为头痛,MRI联合MRV能清晰地显示静脉系统形态及阻塞情况,DSA能清楚显示静脉系统血栓的部位及继发于CVT的动静脉瘘.早期诊断及应用抗凝治疗是取得良好预后的关键.结论 CVT的病因多样,临床表现缺乏特异性,MRI联合MRV检查是目前CVT诊断及随访的重要检杳方法 ,对原因不明的颅内高压患者需行相应检查,一旦确诊,应予抗凝治疗.     

Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Superior Sagittal Sinus Thrombosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has shown high sensitivity in the diagnosis of acute arterial strokes. The pathophysiology of cerebral venous thrombosis with associated venous stroke appears to differ from that of arterial strokes. The purpose of this study was to describe DWI findings in venous strokes. METHODS: The authors reviewed 3 adults with superior sagittal sinus thrombosis who underwent DWI and magnetic resonance imaging within 24 hours of symptom onset. DWI was obtained at 1.5 T using the multishot echo planar technique (TR = 8000, TE = 97, field of view = 30 x 19 cm, slice thickness = 6.0 mm, interslice gap = 0.5 mm, matrix 128 x 128, NEX = 1). The diffusion gradients were applied in 3 orthogonal directions with 3 increasing b values (0-1000 s/mm2) to create average (trace) DWI images. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated on a pixel-by-pixel basis and displayed as ADC maps. RESULTS: DWI showed hyperintensities in patients 1 and 2 and hypointensity in patient 3 in corresponding to parenchymal lesions on conventional images. As compared to the homologous uninvolved location in the contralateral hemisphere, ADC values were decreased (0.53 x 10(-3) mm2/s [patient 1] and 0.68 x 10(-3) mm2/s [patient 2]) and increased (1.1 x 10(-3) mm2/s [patient 3]). The ADC ratio of the lesion in the involved to uninvolved side was 88% (patient 1), 81% (patient 2), and 120% (patient 3). CONCLUSION: Acute cerebral venous strokes may contain cytotoxic edema and/or vasogenic edema on DWI scans. DWI may be helpful in diagnosing cerebral venous thrombosis in cases with cryptic presentations.     

Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis : A Meta-Analysis

ObjectiveA role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is not wellunderstood. This study evaluates the effectiveness of DWI in the diagnosis of CVT. MethodsLiterature search was conducted in electronic databases for the identification of studies which reported the outcomes of patients subjected to DWI for CVT diagnosis. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to achieve overall estimates of important diagnostic efficiency indices including hyperintense signal rate, the sensitivity and specificity of DWI in diagnosing CVT, and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of DWI signal areas and surrounding tissue. ResultsNineteen studies (443 patients with 856 CVTs; age 40 years [95% confidence interval (CI), 33 to 43]; 28% males [95% CI, 18 to 38]; symptom onset to DWI time 4.6 days [95% CI, 2.3 to 6.9]) were included. Hyperintense signals on DWI were detected in 40% (95% CI, 26 to 55) of the cases. The sensitivity of DWI for detecting CVT was 22% (95% CI, 11 to 34) but specificity was 98% (95% CI, 95 to 100). ADC values were quite heterogenous in DWI signal areas. However, generally the ADC values were lower in DWI signal areas than in surrounding normal areas (mean difference−0.33×10^-3 mm²/s [95% CI, −0.44 to −0.23]; p<0.00001). ConclusionDWI has a low sensitivity in detecting CVT and thus has a high risk of missing many CVT cases. However, because of its high specificity, it may have supporting and exploratory roles in CVT diagnosis.     

Diagnostic Value of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Hyperintensity in Selected Patients With Acute Neurologic Deficits

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A pattern of decreased intensity on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps is useful in the early detection of ischemic brain injury. Less information exists with regard to patients with acute neurologic deficits in whom there is abnormal conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and increased ADC intensity. METHODS: The authors identified 13 patients with acute neurologic deficits who underwent diffusion MRI and had calculated ADC maps demonstrating hyper-intensity in regions characterized by computed tomography hypodensity and MRI T2 hyperintensity. The initial and follow-up imaging characteristics and clinical syndromes were recorded. RESULTS: Clinical syndromes included hypertensive encephalopathy, posterior leukoencephalopathy, hyperperfusion following carotid endarterectomy, venous sinus thrombosis, HIV encephalopathy, and brain tumor. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was hyperintense in 3 of 13 patients, isointense in 4 of 13 patients, heterogeneous in 3 of 13 patients, and hypointense in 3 of 13 patients. The ADC values in these regions were significantly higher than those in control regions (P < .0001). At early follow-up, MRI abnormalities resolved completely in 3 of 13 patients and partially in 9 of 13 patients. MRI abnormalities were unchanged in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: In the evaluation of patients with acute neurologic deficits, ADC hyperintensity may identify a subset of patients with vasogenic edema of nonischemic etiology. Frequently, these conditions are potentially reversible if appropriately managed. DWI and conventional images alone are not sufficient to identify these neurologic conditions.     

Deep cerebral venous thrombosis: a report of three cases and review of the literature]

Three cases of cerebral deep venous thrombosis (CDVT) were reported with review of the literature. A 47-year-old female had taken estrogen-derived drug. The other two patients had no specific past history. On MRI, T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images showed high signal intensity lesions at basal ganglia and thalamus. Diffusion-weighted image (DWI) detected only slightly high signal spots but apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) images indicated mild increases of the ADC value. MR venogram and cerebral angiogram revealed obliteration of internal cerebral veins, great vein of Galen, and straight sinus. The two severely impaired patients received systemic heparinization, in which one patient preceded percutaneous transvenous angioplasty of straight sinus. One patient suffered cognitive disturbance and the other two patients fully recovered from their illness. The high signal intensity lesions on both T2-weighted image and FLAIR image disappeared and deep cerebral veins reappeared. The diagnosis of CDVT based on clinical symptoms is not simple but modern technology of MRI is very useful for diagnosis of CDVT. Once CDVT is detected, appropriate therapy should be started as soon as possible to avoid devastating outcome.     

颅脑静脉窦内血栓磁共振弥散加权成像对溶栓治疗的价值

目的 探讨颅脑静脉窦内血栓磁共振弥散加权成像(DWl)的特征以及DWI表现与溶栓治疗后血管再通的关系.方法 回顾性分析14例颅脑静脉窦内血栓患者的MRI表现,包括常规MRJ、FLAIR、DWI及MRV,统计静脉窦内出现DWI高信号的部位、数量;以溶栓治疗后1～3个月的MRV确定原栓塞静脉窦是否再通;探讨溶栓前静脉窦内血栓T1WI、FLAIR、DWI表现与溶栓治疗后血管再通的关系.结果 14例颅脑静脉窦内血栓患者中9例出现21个部位的血栓DWI高信号.首诊MRI血栓内有DWI高信号的静脉窦的血管完全再通的几率较低(19.0%),血栓内无DWI高信号的静脉窦冉通率较高(68.2%),比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.005).结论 颅脑静脉窦内血栓患者血栓DWI信号可能与血栓的进展有关,首诊MRI发现静脉窦内血栓DWI呈高信号能预测溶栓治疗1～3个月后血管再通率较低.     

Cerebral venous thrombosis--clinical aspects and consequences

The clinical picture of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) depends on the site of thrombosis in the venous system including superficial veins, deep veins and venous sinuses. Thrombotic changes may occur simultaneously in various parts of the venous system. Since CVT may have various causes, the knowledge of its etiology helps to make the diagnosis. In systemic diseases multiple intravascular clots may result, while in localized pathological conditions thrombosis maybe restricted to the lesion site. The clinical picture is often serious, leading to death, or to severe complications such as pulmonary embolism, and to distant complications--like epilepsy or intracranial hypertension being the cause of chronic headaches (lumbar puncture and CSF pressure measurement are helpful in the diagnosis of intracranial hypertension). In order to prevent complications of crucial importance is not only the proper diagnosis (with MRI and venography as the diagnostic techniques of choice), but also an early and prolonged treatment with anticoagulants. Heparin or fractionated heparin is recommended even though there is a possibility of cerebral haemorrhagic lesions.     

Deep cerebral vein thrombosis associated with iron deficiency anaemia in adults.

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is rare and has a wide spectrum of symptoms, therefore it is difficult to diagnose. Thrombosis of the deep cerebral veins occurs very rarely: it has been reported that approximately 6% of patients with CVT have deep CVT, and the prognosis for patients with this condition is poor. CVT has been reported in association with dehydration, a hypercoagulable state, mastoiditis, tumour invasion of a venous sinus, use of oral contraceptives, pregnancy, puerperium, head trauma, vasculitis, and intracranial and systemic infections. However, in the literature, there are few reported cases of CVT in association with iron deficiency anaemia, especially in adults. We present here two patients with bilateral thalamic and basal ganglionic lesions due to thrombosis of the deep cerebral veins. Both of our patients had severe hypochromic microcytic anaemia due to iron deficiency, and both had a good prognosis after 2 months.     

Quantification of brain edema and hemorrhage by MRI after experimental traumatic brain injury in rabbits predicts subsequent functional outcome

We use multiple MRI modalities to measure cerebral edema and intracerebral hemorrhage quantitatively after TBI in rabbits and to acquire the early prognostic MRI information. Multiple MRI modalities (DCE-MRI, DWI and SWI) were used to assess cerebral edema and intracerebral hemorrhage quantitatively at different time points within a month after TBI in 15 rabbits. The functional outcomes were evaluated at 1 and 30 days after TBI. The relationships between the quantitative MRI information at different time points and functional outcome at 30 days were analyzed. The volume transfer coefficient (K (trans)) in the focal lesion area and the perifocal lesion area at the acute phase correlated with the functional outcome at 30 days (p < 0.05). The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value at 7 days in the focal lesion area correlated with the functional outcome at 30 days (p < 0.01) and had a trend to correlate at 3 days (p = 0.08). In the perifocal lesion area, the ADC values at both acute and subacute phase correlated with the functional outcome at 30 days (p < 0.05). The volume of hemorrhage correlated with functional outcome at 30 days (p < 0.05). The cerebral edema assessed by DCE-MRI (K (trans)) and DWI (ADC) and intracerebral hemorrhage assessed by SWI may have predictive values.     

Diffusion-weighted MRI during early global cerebral hypoxia: a predictor for clinical outcome?

OBJECTIVES: As prognostic assessment of prolonged cerebral hypoxia is often difficult on clinical grounds, a tool for an early prognosis of clinical outcome is desirable. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, we investigated the prognostic value of diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) in 12 patients within 36 h after global cerebral hypoxia. Results of DWI including apparent diffusion coefficient maps (ADC) were analyzed and related to the clinical outcome after 6 months, in comparison with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI). RESULTS: Three patients with a short resuscitation time showed normal findings in cMRI and DWI and a good recovery. In seven patients, DWI revealed multiple large hyperintense areas although cMRI was normal. In two patients, large diffuse lesions were observed in DWI which were also found in cMRI. All of these nine patients developed a vegetative state in the follow-up examination. CONCLUSION: Pathological DWI during the early phase after cerebral hypoxia might be superior to cMRI as a predictor of a worse clinical outcome.     

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.     

Hypothyroidism and cerebral vein thrombosis – a possible association

BACKGROUND: There are many systemic illnesses that constitute risk factors for cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT). Hypothyroidism was never associated with CVT, despite growing evidence supporting a possible etiopathogenic link. We report two patients with CVT in whom hypothyroidism was concomitantly diagnosed. CLINICAL CASES: Cases were women 21 and 52 years old. They both presented with intracranial hypertension syndrome and symptomatic focal epilepsy. CVT was diagnosed with MRI and MR venography. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in the acute phase of CVT. Both had an autoimmune thyroiditis. None of the patients had diffuse goitre. Other risk factors for CVT were oral contraceptives and elevated homocysteine in one and hormonal replacement therapy in the other. Both were treated with anticoagulation, anti-epileptic drugs and thyroid replacement therapy, with good clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The association found between untreated hypothyroidism and CVT in these patients may result from chance. However, several haemostatic and fibrinolytic parameters have been demonstrated to be disturbed in hypothyroidism suggesting a possible role of this disease in CVT pathogenesis. In addition, indirect evidence also supports possible endothelial dysfunction and venous stasis in hypothyroidism, further emphasizing the physiopathological link between the two conditions. More research is needed to determine a possible causal role of hypothyroidism on CVT. We suggest that thyroid function should be included in the usual workup of CVT patients.     

脑静脉系统血栓形成的临床特点

目的探讨脑静脉血栓形成(CVT)的临床特点。方法回顾性分析27例CVT患者的临床资料。结果本组患者中25例有发病诱因(包括妊娠或产褥期18例,高热、腹泻5例等),平均年龄(29.7±9.3)岁;多以急性(7例,25.9%)、亚急性(19例,70.4%)起病。以头痛为首发症状23例(91.7%),伴呕吐21例,12例出现意识障碍,均出现不同部位的神经功能缺损表现。腰穿CSF压力增高21例。血常规检查异常22例(81.5%),凝血功能异常13例(48.2%)。影像学检查[CT、MRI、MR静脉血管成像(MRV)]显示,均有不同程度的颅内静脉或静脉窦受累,其中上矢状窦受累最多(77.8%)。24例采用肝素抗凝治疗,2例用溶栓治疗。17例痊愈,4例好转,6例死亡(其中4例并发出血性梗死,2例伴大脑大静脉血栓形成)。结论 CVT继发于循环血液不足及血液高凝状态,以急性或亚急性起病,主要表现为颅内压增高综合征,死亡率较高;MRI和MRA是早期诊断的有效手段,早期肝素抗凝治疗可取得良好疗效。     

颅内静脉窦血栓形成（9例临床报道）

目的:探讨脑静脉血栓形成(CVT)的临床特点与影像学表现。方法:回顾性分析本院9例CVT的临床及影像学资料。结果:①临床表现:头痛(77%)、癫样抽搐(66%)、局灶性神经功能缺失(66%)、视乳头水肿(44%)、不同程度意识障碍(22%)。②影像学资料及治疗转归:1例头颅CT示弥漫性脑水肿,蛛网膜下隙出血合并多发出血性脑梗死,因颅内压持续增高,予外科手术行去骨板减压术,见大脑表面浅静脉怒张呈绳索状并多数点片状出血灶。8例行头颅MRI和MRV,显示直接征像8例、间接征像6例。其中2例同时行DSA,均显示多个静脉和静脉窦充盈缺损。静脉血栓部位:上矢状窦合并浅静脉血栓1例,上矢状窦合并侧窦及多处静脉受累7例,直窦血栓1例。7例行肝素抗凝等对症治疗、1例行血管内局部溶栓、1例行矢状窦手术取栓并抗凝治疗。症状缓解至痊愈7例,病死2例。结论:首诊时诊断不明确,可先作头颅CT,排除颅内非CVT性病变,临床已拟诊CVT时,应首选MRI+MRV,进行综合判断是目前诊断和随访CVT的最好方法,婴幼儿CVT常表现为癫发作起病,提示CVT是婴幼儿重要的未被识别的性发作原因之一。     

脑静脉窦血栓形成的诊断与血管内治疗

目的 探讨脑静脉窦血栓形成的诊断和血管内溶栓治疗。方法 对8例以顽固性头痛、呕吐伴或不伴局灶性神经功能缺损或癫发作为主要表现的患者，采用颅脑MRI和脑血管造影检查确定诊断，并施行经颈内动脉、静脉窦内接触性溶栓或静脉窦内支架成形术协同抗凝治疗。结果 MRI显示相应脑静脉窦区出现长T2WI，短T1WI信号，DSA显示脑静脉窦闭塞、静脉侧支循环建立和脑动静脉循环时间延长。治疗后静脉窦完全或部分再通，脑循环时间接近正常，临床病情显著缓解。结论 血管内介入治疗可能是脑静脉窦血栓形成最有效的治疗方法之一，有待大样本研究证实。     

颅内静脉血栓形成的临床特点分析

目的探讨颅内静脉血栓形成（CVT）的病因、临床特点、诊断、治疗。方法回顾性分析12例CVT患者的临床资料,并结合文献分析。结果12例CVT患者中8例病因明确,临床表现以头痛伴恶心呕吐、视乳头水肿为主,脑脊液（CSF）检查以压力升高为主要特点,D-二聚体（DD）检查有62.5%的患者高于正常,CT主要表现局限性脑梗死及脑水肿,MRI联合MRV表现静脉窦闭塞者占91.7%,病因及脱水、溶栓、抗凝治疗疗效较好。结论CVT临床表现复杂多样,产褥期、感染、白塞病可继发CVT,MRI和MRV相结合诊断率高,肝素抗凝为首选治疗。     

Infarct volume on apparent diffusion coefficient maps correlates with length of stay and outcome after middle cerebral artery stroke

BACKGROUND: Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) can depict acute ischemia based on decreased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. ADC maps, unlike DWI (which have contributions from T2 properties), solely reflect diffusion properties. Recent studies indicate that severity of neurological deficit corresponds with degree of ADC alteration. PURPOSE: To determine whether infarct volume on ADC maps correlates with length of hospitalization and clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke. STUDY POPULATION: Forty-five consecutive patients with acute (3 SDs below the average ADC value of a contralateral control region. Infarct volume was correlated with length of hospitalization and 6-month outcome assessed with Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), Modified Rankin Score (mRS), Barthel Index (BI) and a dichotomized outcome status with favorable outcome defined as GOS 1, mRS or=95. RESULTS: Infarct volume on ADC maps ranged from 0.2 to 187 cm(3) and was significantly correlated with length of hospitalization (p < 0.001, r = 0.67). Furthermore, ADC infarct volume was significantly correlated with GOS (r = 0.73), mRS (r = 0.68), BI (r = 0.67) and outcome status (r = 0.65) (each p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression revealed a statistically significant correlation between ADC infarct volume and outcome status (p < 0.05), but none for Canadian Neurological Scale score, age and gender (p >0.05 each). CONCLUSION: Infarct volume measured by using a quantitative definition for infarcted tissue on ADC maps correlated significantly with length of hospitalization (as a possible surrogate marker for short-term outcome) and functional outcome after 6 months. ADC infarct volume may provide prognostic information for patients with acute ischemic MCA stroke.