Acute stroke imaging with SPECT, PET, Xenon-CT, and MR spectroscopy

Abstract

MRS evaluation of stroke is a promising technique in that it images intracellular metabolites and thus may eventually serve as a surrogate for the triage of stroke victims concerning treatment. Despite its newfound speed of performance, constantly improving availability and lack of ionizing radiation, several problems persist and dominate its sparing use. Its manifestation of metabolites is relatively unique but apparently not yet distinctive or clinically relevant for most clinical stroke scenarios. At present, MRS should not be used alone but rather in combination with conventional, diffusion-weighted and perfusion-weighted MR imaging for optimal effect in the management of acute stroke patients. © 2006 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.