MRI Stroke Case Study

MRI Stroke Case Study The following is our MRI Stroke Case Study of the month. The patient came for exam for history of dysarthria, CVA, and new aphasia. The MRI Stroke Case Study procedure included multi-planar images of the head obtained without IV contrast on our 1.5 Tesla MRI machine. The comparison MRI scan was done on 6/07/2011.

MRI of the head or brain is an excellent diagnostic method for investigating the neurological anatomy  and physiology.  The MRI brain scan can accurately show clinicians physical abnormalities in the brain, such as the location and size of a tumor or cancer. These MRI scans also help to show brain function, such as showing the location and extent of the infarcts after a stroke, as seen with diffusion images. The MRI brain scan shows details of the soft brain tissues and nerves that may be difficult to see on other tests.

MRI Stroke Case StudyHISTORY: dysarthria, CVA, new aphasia

COMPARISON: MRI head 06/07/2011

TECHNIQUE: Multiplanar images of the head were obtained at 1.5 Tesla without IV contrast

Brain: There is moderate generalized atrophy. Areas of increased T2 signal are seen within the periventricular white matter consistent with extensive chronic small vessel ischemic disease. There is chronic left frontal and parietal lobe encephalomalacia. There are small bilateral chronic basal ganglia lacunar infarcts.

Diffusion Images: There are several cortical and subcortical infarcts within the left frontal lobe as well as the left occipital lobe and along the posterior corpus callosum. Infarcts may be within a watershed distribution region between the left internal and external carotid artery distributions.

IACS: The internal auditory canals appear normal.

Sinuses: The paranasal sinuses appear unremarkable.

IMPRESSION: Acute left cerebral infarcts, probably in the watershed distribution between the left internal and external carotid arteries. No acute right hemispheric infarct is seen.

For more information on MRI imaging services at Greater Waterbury Imaging Center, visit our clinical section of the website.