Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Jun 2015
Clot characteristics on computed tomography and response to thrombolysis in acute middle cerebral artery stroke.
Clinical and computer tomography angiography (CTA) correlates of hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) and dot sign were revisited in patients treated for acute MCA stroke. Temporal evolution of these signs over 24 hours was assessed quantitatively by density (Hounsfield unit [HU]) measurements. ⋯ CTA provides dependable (high sensitivity and specificity) information regarding clot size and location, whereas hyperdense artery signs have low sensitivity and just acceptable specificity levels in this regard. However, the prognostic and diagnostic information generated by the presence of hyperdense artery signs and temporal change in attenuation can be useful in acute stroke settings where CTA is not readily available. Quantitative measures, rather than qualitative evaluation have a higher yield in determination of temporal change of the hyperdensity signs and its possible clinical correlates.