Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2021
ReviewComputed Tomography-Based Imaging Algorithms for Patient Selection in Acute Ischemic Stroke.
Computed tomography remains the most widely used imaging modality for evaluating patients with acute ischemic stroke. Landmark trials have used computed tomography imaging to select patients for intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatment. This review summarizes the most important acute ischemic stroke trials, provides an outlook of ongoing studies, and proposes possible image algorithms for patient selection. Although evaluation with anatomic computed tomography imaging techniques is sufficient in early window patients, more advanced imaging techniques should be used beyond 6 hours from symptoms onset to quantify the ischemic core and evaluate for the salvageable penumbra.
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Multimodal MR imaging provides valuable information in the management of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), with diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic implications. MR imaging plays a critical role in treatment decision making for (1) thrombolytic treatment of AIS patients with unknown symptom-onset and (2) endovascular treatment of patients with large vessel occlusion presenting beyond 6 hours from the symptom onset. MR imaging provides the most accurate information for detection of ischemic brain and is invaluable for differentiating AIS from stroke mimics.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2021
ReviewImaging for Treated Aneurysms (Including Clipping, Coiling, Stents, Flow Diverters).
Intracranial aneurysms are common in the adult population and carry a risk of rupture leading to catastrophic subarachnoid hemorrhage. Treatment of aneurysms has evolved significantly, with the introduction of new techniques and devices for minimally invasive and endovascular approaches. Follow-up imaging after aneurysm treatment is standard of care to monitor for recurrence or other complications, and the preferred imaging modality and schedule for follow-up are areas of active research. The modality and follow-up schedule should be tailored to treatment technique, aneurysm characteristics, and patient factors.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2021
ReviewVasospasm: Role of Imaging in Detection and Monitoring Treatment.
Cerebral vasospasm (VS) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) are important complications of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (ASAH). Imaging approaches to VS monitoring include noninvasive bedside assessment with transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, angiographic evaluation with digital subtraction angiography, and computed tomography (CT) angiography. ⋯ CT perfusion has shown clinical utility and implications for future research in the evaluation of DCI in patients with ASAH. This review article discusses the common approaches to diagnosis and monitoring of VS and DCI, current treatment strategies, and future research directions.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2021
ReviewExtracranial Vascular Disease: Carotid Stenosis and Plaque Imaging.
Carotid atherosclerosis is an important contributor to ischemic stroke. When imaging carotid atherosclerosis, it is essential to describe both the degree of luminal stenosis and specific plaque characteristics because both are risk factors for cerebrovascular ischemia. ⋯ By understanding the underlying histopathology, the specific plaque characteristics on each of these imaging modalities can be appreciated. This article briefly describes some of the most commonly encountered plaque features, including plaque calcification, intraplaque hemorrhage, lipid-rich necrotic core, and plaque ulceration.