MR diffusion imaging in ischemic stroke

Steve H Fung; Luca Roccatagliata; R Gilberto Gonzalez; Pamela W Schaefer

doi:10.1016/j.nic.2011.03.001

MR diffusion imaging in ischemic stroke

Neuroimaging Clin N Am. 2011 May;21(2):345-77, xi. doi: 10.1016/j.nic.2011.03.001.

Authors

Steve H Fung¹, Luca Roccatagliata, R Gilberto Gonzalez, Pamela W Schaefer

Affiliation

¹ Neuroradiology Section, Department of Radiology, The Methodist Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA. steve_fung@post.harvard.edu

PMID: 21640304
DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2011.03.001

Abstract

Diffusion-weighted MRI provides image contrast that is dependent on the molecular motion of water. Diffusion-weighted imaging is the most reliable method for early detection of cerebral ischemia, for the definition of infarct core, and for the differentiation of acute ischemia from other disease processes that mimic stroke. Diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion kurtosis imaging may offer additional diagnostic information on the microstructural status of tissue. This review discusses the development and applications of diffusion-weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and diffusion kurtosis imaging in acute and chronic ischemia.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cerebral Arteries / pathology*
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
Humans
Ischemic Attack, Transient / pathology*
Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods*
Stroke / pathology*