Computerized tomographic angiography in the evaluation of cerebral infarction.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the feasibility of computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) for the diagnosis of cerebral infarction.


METHODS
Fourteen patients (nine men, five women; average age, 60 years) who presented with symptoms of acute cerebral infarction underwent computerized tomography (CT) and CTA, using a Picker PQ 2000 Spiral CT. The infarcted area was first evaluated by CT and then occlusive sites of arteries were evaluated by CTA.


RESULTS
In seven patients in the very early stage of acute cerebral infarction involving the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory, the initial CT did not clearly demonstrate the infarcted area. CTA detected the occlusive site of the MCA and helped anticipate the area of infarction. Follow-up CT confirmed the infarction clearly. CTA was not useful for small infarctions in the basal ganglia, thalamus or brainstem.


CONCLUSIONS
CTA in association with CT is a feasible and good technique for the diagnosis of early-stage acute cerebral infarction. It can detect the occlusive sites in the main arteries, especially the middle cerebral artery, and as of benefit for anticipation of the ensuing edematous area. However, for small infarcts in the basal ganglia, CTA does not provide good diagnostic images.
Shen
W C
WC
Department of Radiology, China Medical College Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
Lee
C C
CC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002533:Cerebral Angiography; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed