Stroke: Clinical application of perfusion and diffusion

Abstract

Multimodal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) neuroimaging techniques represent powerful tools that allow management decisions to be informed by precise characterization of individual pathophysiologic processes. They carry the prospect and hope of expanding the time window for acute stroke treatment and reaching a much higher number of acute stroke patients. Multimodal imaging allows to identify areas of hemorrhage or infarction and also areas of tissue viability or penumbra. The goal of this chapter is to discuss stroke imaging technologies. Particularly, how to interpret imaging findings, the advantages and disadvantages, as well as literature about the efficacy of each imaging technology will be addressed. Also, the latest trials on stroke intervention will be reviewed.