Perfusion computed tomography thresholds defining ischemic penumbra and infarct core: Studies in a rat stroke model

Abstract

Background: Perfusion computed tomography is becoming more widely used as a clinical imaging tool to predict potentially salvageable tissue (ischemic penumbra) after ischemic stroke and guide reperfusion therapies. Aims: The study aims to determine whether there are important changes in perfusion computed tomography thresholds defining ischemic penumbra and infarct core over time following stroke. Methods: Permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion was performed in adult outbred Wistar rats (n=6) and serial perfusion computed tomography scans were taken every 30 mins for 2h. To define infarction thresholds at 1h and 2h post-stroke, separate groups of rats underwent 1h (n=6) and 2h (n=6) of m..