RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Hyperdense middle cerebral arteries identified on CT as a false sign of vascular occlusion.
JF American Journal of Neuroradiology
JO Am. J. Neuroradiol.
FD American Society of Neuroradiology
SP 669
OP 673
VO 14
IS 3
A1 Rauch, R A
A1 Bazan, C
A1 Larsson, E M
A1 Jinkins, J R
YR 1993
UL http://www.ajnr.org/content/14/3/669.abstract
AB PURPOSE 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.CONCLUSION A hyperdense MCA is not a reliable indicator of occlusion of this vessel or subsequent infarction.