R MCA Distribution Infarction

Findings:
Axial and coronal MR images show abnormal signal in the right temporal lobe and right basal ganglia,with sparing of the thalamus. TOF MRA image shows abrupt termination of flow signal in the right M1 segment, consistent with occlusion.

Discussion:
Ischemic Stroke
  -no clear source in 25%
  -if source identified- 2/3 thrombotic, 1/3 embolic
  -20% lacunar- small vessel thrombotic
  -other causes (5%): vasculitis, vasospasm, coagulopathy, global hypoperfusion, venous thrombosis
  -children: CHD, infection, trauma
  -young adults: cardiac, drugs, dissection
  -elderly: atherosclerosis, amyloid, coagulopathy

  -brain gets 20% of CO, autoregulated
  -GM 3-4x WM
  -normal 55cc/100g/min- injury if <20cc
       -<22- reversible injury
       -<18- loss of action potential
       -<12- 2 hrs- cell death
  -vulnerability: purkinje cells, hippocampus >> glial cells and endothelium
  -imaging
        -cytotoxic edema- begins 6h, peaks at 3-7 days. transudate, swelling without signal change
        -vasogenic edema- begins 3-8 hrs, signal change
        -diffusion imaging- changes in 2 min- <15-20cc/min
        -contrast enhancement
                -CT gyral at 7d-->peak 7-14d-->up to 3 months
                -MR early intravascular enhancement, then parenchymal enhancement at 3d-3wks, resolves 3 months

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