Hyperdense middle cerebral arteries identified on CT as a false sign of vascular occlusion.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the middle cerebral artery (MCA) on CT, including its relationship to cerebral infarction.


METHODS
Thirteen patients with either a unilateral or bilateral hyperdense M1 segment of the MCA were evaluated. History of hypertension, diabetes, and hematocrit were obtained and compared with a control group of patients without a hyperdense MCA.


RESULTS
None of the patients had a unilateral hyperdense MCA ipsilateral to a clinically identifiable stroke. Patients with a hyperdense MCA had a statistically higher hematocrit and also a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus than patients without a hyperdense MCA. The higher hematocrit may have increased the density of the blood, while both diabetes and hypertension are associated with calcification within blood vessel walls.


CONCLUSIONS
A hyperdense MCA is not a reliable indicator of occlusion of this vessel or subsequent infarction.
Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7800.
R A
RA
Rauch
C
C
Bazan
E M
EM
Larsson
J R
JR
Jinkins
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002533:Cerebral Angiography; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002648:Child; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed