Summary
The fogging effect, whereby initially hypodense infarcts become isodense during the second and third week after the onset of stroke, was investigated in a prospective and consecutive series comprising 50 cases with completed stroke. CT scans were performed approximately 3 days, 10 days and 6 months after stroke. The fogging effect was found in 54% of cases. The hypodense areas reappeared on all scans at 6 months. Cerebral infarcts therefore may be overlooked or grossly underestimated if the scan is performed during the second and third week after stroke.
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Skriver, E.B., Olsen, T.S. Transient disappearance of cerebral infarcts on CT scan, the so-called fogging effect. Neuroradiology 22, 61–65 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00344775
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00344775