[Vascular assessment in stroke codes: role of computed tomography angiography]

Abstract

Advances in imaging studies for acute ischemic stroke are largely due to the development of new efficacious treatments carried out in the acute phase. Together with computed tomography (CT) perfusion studies, CT angiography facilitates the selection of patients who are likely to benefit from appropriate early treatment. CT angiography plays an important role in the workup for acute ischemic stroke because it makes it possible to confirm vascular occlusion, assess the collateral circulation, and obtain an arterial map that is very useful for planning endovascular treatment. In this review about CT angiography, we discuss the main technical characteristics, emphasizing the usefulness of the technique in making the right diagnosis and improving treatment strategies.

Keywords: Angio-tomografía computarizada; Cerebral infarction; Circulación colateral; Collateral circulation; Computed tomography angiography; Endovascular treatment; Infarto cerebral; Thrombolysis; Thrombus; Tratamiento endovascular; Trombo; Trombolisis.