IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Ischemic stroke

Case contributed by Hugo Neves (RT)
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Admitted with temporary aphasia and dysarthria for three hours.

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male

1st CT ER 3 hours after onset

ct

There is a loss of insular ribbon sign on right side indicating an early sign of ischemic stroke. 

It is important to remember that the cortex, like on insular ribbon, has a poor collateral supply and for this reason is more vulnerable. 

The patient progressed with left hemiplegia, aphasia and labial commissure deviation to the right side.

The second CT scan shows an extension of hypoattenuating ischemic area and the hyperdense MCA sign, which has been associated with a poor outcome.

2nd CT 3 hours post 1st scan

ct

There is an extension of the hypoattenuating area indicating an acute ischemic stroke on right MCA territory, with no evidence of midline shift, herniation or hemorrhagic transformation. There is increased attenuation of the proximal portion of the right MCA and it is compatible with thrombosis of the M1 segment. 

With time the hypo-attenuation and swelling become more marked resulting in significant mass effect. This is a major cause of secondary damage in large infarcts. 

3rd CT 2 days after admission

ct

A huge right MCA territory infarction has evolved with midline shift and subfalcine herniation.

4th CT 5 days after admission

ct

Ischemic stroke evolution and management with a decompressive craniectomy. Remaining midline shift with subfalcine and uncal herniation.

Case Discussion

Ischemic stroke results from a sudden cessation of adequate amounts of blood reaching parts of the brain. Ischemic strokes can be divided according to territory affected or mechanism, in this case a MCA territory infarct. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.