American Journal of Neuroradiology, Vol 14, Issue 3 669-673, Copyright © 1993 by American Society of Neuroradiology
ARTICLES |
Hyperdense middle cerebral arteries identified on CT as a false sign of vascular occlusion
RA Rauch, C Bazan 3d, EM Larsson and JR Jinkins
Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7800.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the middle cerebral artery (MCA) on CT, including its relationship to cerebral infarction. METHODS: Thirteen patients with either a unilateral or bilateral hyperdense M1 segment of the MCA were evaluated. History of hypertension, diabetes, and hematocrit were obtained and compared with a control group of patients without a hyperdense MCA. RESULTS: None of the patients had a unilateral hyperdense MCA ipsilateral to a clinically identifiable stroke. Patients with a hyperdense MCA had a statistically higher hematocrit and also a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus than patients without a hyperdense MCA. The higher hematocrit may have increased the density of the blood, while both diabetes and hypertension are associated with calcification within blood vessel walls. CONCLUSION: A hyperdense MCA is not a reliable indicator of occlusion of this vessel or subsequent infarction.
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