Significance of susceptibility vessel sign on T2*-weighted gradient echo imaging for identification of stroke subtypes.
OBJECTIVE
In contrast to platelet-rich white thrombi, red thrombi in the heart are rich in fibrin and trapped erythrocytes. The magnetic susceptibility effect of deoxygenated hemoglobin in red thrombi may result in hypointense signals on T2*-weighted gradient echo imaging (GRE). We tested the hypothesis that a GRE susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) is specific for cardioembolic stroke.


METHODS
This retrospective study examined data from acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent diffusion-weighted imaging, GRE and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) within 24 hours of stroke onset and who had symptomatic occlusion of large intracranial arteries in the circle of Willis. Hypointense signals within vascular cisterns on GRE corresponding to symptomatic vascular occlusion were termed "GRE SVS." Recanalization was assessed on follow-up MRA performed within 7 days of onset. The relationships between GRE SVS and stroke subtypes and subsequent recanalization were explored.


RESULTS
Of the 95 patients who met the inclusion criteria, GRE SVS was observed in 45 (47.4%). GRE SVS was more commonly associated with cardioembolic stroke patients (31 of 40, 77.5%) than with other stroke subtypes (14 of 55, 25.5%; P<0.001). In 66 patients who underwent follow-up MRA, GRE SVS was associated with subsequent recanalization (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that GRE SVS was an independent predictor of cardioembolic stroke and subsequent recanalization (odds ratio, 10.75 and 4.26; 95% CI, 3.68 to 31.47 and 1.12 to 16.30).


CONCLUSIONS
GRE SVS may predict cardioembolic stroke and subsequent recanalization. Identifying clot composition may be important in choosing the optimal treatment based on clot characteristics.
Cho
Kyung-Hee
KH
Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Kim
Jong S
JS
Kwon
Sun U
SU
Cho
A-Hyun
AH
Kang
Dong-Wha
DW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015424:Reperfusion; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome