Arterial spin labeling identifies tissue salvage and good clinical recovery after acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a relatively new MR perfusion technique that requires validation. METHODS: One hundred patients with an acute hemispheric ischemic stroke were imaged within 6 hours of symptom onset with perfusion CT (CTP), and at 24 hours with MRI perfusion imaging, including ASL and bolus dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) imaging. Baseline CTP was used to define tissue at risk. This was used to determine persistent hypoperfusion, or hyperperfusion, on 24-hour ASL maps. RESULTS: Using 24 hour ASL, 48 of 100 patients showed hyperperfusion, and 41 showed persistent hypoperfusion. None of the PWI maps identified hyperperfusion. Compared to patients with persistent..