Patterns of ischemic stroke: From lacunar to territorial to multiple embolic to watershed hypotensive

Abstract

Neuroimaging is integral to stroke diagnosis and management. Ischemic stroke prognosis, risk of recurrence, and management decisions are influenced by stroke subtype, which can be categorized by anatomic distribution and causative mechanism. Computed tomography (CT) and multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facilitate the identification of the extent, etiology, and time of onset of ischemic strokes. Understanding the underlying vascular anatomy and patterns of ischemic stroke enables physicians to localize diseased blood vessels and better personalize patient management.