Safety and feasibility of a CT protocol for acute stroke: combined CT, CT angiography, and CT perfusion imaging in 53 consecutive patients

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2003 Apr;24(4):688-90.

Abstract

By combining non-contrast-enhanced CT imaging, CT perfusion imaging, and cranial-to-chest CT angiography (CTA), the entire cerebrovascular axis can be imaged during acute stroke. To our knowledge, the safety and feasibility of this technique have not been previously reported. In a consecutive series of 53 patients with suspected acute stroke, renal failure was not observed. Median imaging time was 27 minutes (range, 9-67 minutes). Image quality was degraded by motion in 1.3% of vessels studied. Dynamic CT perfusion data were successfully obtained in 52 patients (98% of patients). High-speed, multisection, helical CT scanners allow rapid, safe imaging of the entire neurovascular axis in patients with acute stroke by use of combined CT imaging, CT perfusion imaging, and CTA.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain / blood supply*
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Angiography*
  • Cerebral Infarction / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cerebral Infarction / etiology
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Creatinine / blood
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / etiology
  • Kidney Function Tests
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement*
  • Regional Blood Flow / physiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Tomography, Spiral Computed*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

Substances

  • Creatinine