The role of CT and MRI in the emergency evaluation of persons with suspected stroke

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2010 Jan;10(1):21-8. doi: 10.1007/s11910-009-0075-9.

Abstract

As a growing number of therapeutic treatment options for acute stroke are being introduced, multimodal acute neuroimaging is assuming a growing role in the initial evaluation and management of patients. Multimodal neuroimaging, using either a CT or MRI approach, can identify the type, location, and severity of the lesion (ischemia or hemorrhage); the status of the cerebral vasculature; the status of cerebral perfusion; and the existence and extent of the ischemic penumbra. Both acute and long-term treatment decisions for stroke patients can then be optimally guided by this information.

MeSH terms

  • Emergencies
  • Hemorrhage / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Perfusion
  • Stroke / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*