Early changes in tissue perfusion after tissue plasminogen activator administration in hyperacute ischemic stroke: initial experiences with arterial spin labeling perfusion magnetic resonance imaging

Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2013;53(4):213-6. doi: 10.2176/nmc.53.213.

Abstract

Cerebral perfusion monitoring is an important component of hyperacute stroke treatment. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion magnetic resonance (MR) imaging provides a noninvasive method of cerebral perfusion observation. Rapid changes in cerebral perfusion were demonstrated in two patients admitted one hour after onset of hyperacute stroke who underwent recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) treatment. Serial MR images and ASL images were taken on admission and after rt-PA administration. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) values were obtained using the CBF workstation and analysis software. Interpretable ASL images were taken in both patients. Perfusion deficits were consistent with symptoms and/or MR angiography imaging abnormalities. Delayed arterial transit effect was present in one patient; serial imaging showed improvement of CBF after rt-PA treatment in both patients. ASL perfusion MR imaging can provide rapid noninvasive multislice imaging in hyperacute ischemic stroke, and can depict early perfusion deficit and quantify regional CBF concomitantly.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Blood Flow Velocity / drug effects
  • Brain / blood supply*
  • Cerebral Infarction / diagnosis
  • Cerebral Infarction / drug therapy*
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods*
  • Regional Blood Flow / drug effects
  • Thrombolytic Therapy / methods*
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator