MR imaging in acute stroke

Acute stroke constitutes an important cause of death and disability in most countries. Introduction of X-ray computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) made a significant breakthrough in the diagnosis of stroke. These imaging methods, however, have several limitations when used in the diagnosis of acute stroke. Novel MRI studies, including diffusion- (DWI) and perfusion-weighted images (PWI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), are providing a plethora of information about the extent of early ischemic lesions, associated vascular and perfusion deficits. The information affords clinicians the opportunity to rapidly assess patients with acute stroke and can be used to select specific interventions, monitor therapeutic responses, and predict clinical outcome. In this paper, these novel MRI methods are briefly reviewed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.