Patient "candidate" for thrombolysis: MRI is essential

Diagn Interv Imaging. 2014 Dec;95(12):1135-44. doi: 10.1016/j.diii.2014.07.003. Epub 2014 Aug 2.

Abstract

Because of its excellent sensitivity and specificity to diagnose arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in the acute phase, MRI answers the main questions to guide treatment in "candidates" for thrombolysis. It lasts less than ten minutes, can confirm the diagnosis of AIS and distinguish it from hematomas and other "stroke mimics". It can identify the ischemic penumbra (perfusion-diffusion mismatch), determine the site of occlusion and provide prognostic information to adapt treatment in some cases in which the indications are poorly defined. In light of the most recent scientific findings, MRI can guide the treatment turning it into the investigation of choice in "candidates" for thrombolysis.

Keywords: Arterial ischemic stroke; Diffusion-weighted imaging; Penumbra; Perfusion-weighted imaging; Thrombolysis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Artifacts
  • Brain Ischemia / diagnosis*
  • Cerebral Infarction / diagnosis
  • Cerebral Infarction / drug therapy
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Selection*
  • Prognosis
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Stroke / diagnosis*
  • Stroke / drug therapy*
  • Thrombolytic Therapy*