Diffusion-weighted image (DWI) of middle cerebral arterial occlusion treated by intraarterial thrombolysis. Relationship between DWI, recanalization and outcome

Ten cases of middle cerebral arterial occlusion admitted emergently were included in this study. After MRI examination, intraarterial thrombolysis was performed. As results, the area where diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) showed high intensity later developed cerebral infarction. Consequently, the area where DWI showed high intensity can develop hemorrhagic infarction. Cases that were recanalized by intraarterial thrombolysis showed good modified Rankin scale. There are systemic problems with acute thrombolysis because obtaining diffusion-weighted image of MRI examinations takes around 40 minutes. Therefore, combination of intraarterial thrombolysis with MRI seems to be a problem to be solved in the future. (author)