Prediction of stroke outcome with echoplanar perfusion- and diffusion- weighted MRI

Abstract

Objectives: We examined the utility of echoplanar magnetic resonance perfusion imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in predicting stroke evolution and outcome in 18 patients with acute hemispheric infarction. Methods: Patients were studied within 24 hours (mean, 12.2 hours), subacutely (mean, 4.7 days), and at outcome (mean, 84 days). Comparisons were made between infarction volumes as measured on perfusion imaging (PI) and isotropic DWI maps, clinical assessment scales (Canadian Neurological Scale, Barthel Index, and Rankin Scale), and final infarct volume (T2-weighted MRI). Results: Acute PI lesion volumes correlated with acute neurologic state, clinical outcome, and final infarct ..