MDCT perfusion in acute stroke

Abstract

Acute cerebrovascular stroke ranks amongst the foremost causes of morbidity and mortality in the world [1]. In acute settings, the rapid evaluation of acute stroke is invaluable due to the ability to treat patients with thrombolytics. In addition to anatomic information about the acute stroke, state-of-the-art radiologic techniques can also provide critical information about capillary-level hemodynamics and the brain parenchyma. Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) provides this information and can help in understanding the pathophysiology of stroke [2-5]. CTP helps the physician to identify critically ischemic or irreversibly infarcted tissue (core) and to identify severely ischemic but potentially salvageable tissue (penumbra). This information can guide triage and management in actue stroke. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Milan.