The Use of PWI and DWI Measures in the Design of "Pro-of-Concept" Stroke Trials

Abstract

Background and Purpose. The authors used serial magnetic resonance perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to determine whether major reperfusion and the attenuation of infarct expansion are associated with improved stroke outcome. Methods. Forty-nine patients were studied with serial magnetic resonance imaging within 6 hours of stroke onset and again at 4 days (subacute studies) and 3 months (outcome studies). Two imaging parameters were examined: infarct expansion between acute and outcome studies and major reperfusion between acute and subacute studies. Results. Patients with major reperfusion (45% of those with acute PWI lesions) were more likely to have lit..