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Hyperdense middle cerebral arteries identified on CT as a false sign of vascular occlusion.

1993; American Society of Neuroradiology; Volume: 14; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

1936-959X

Ronald A. Rauch, Carlos Bazan, Elna‐Marie Larsson, J. R. Jinkins,

Cerebrovascular and genetic disorders

PURPOSE To evaluate the middle cerebral artery (MCA) on CT, including its relationship to cerebral infarction. METHODS Thirteen patients with either a unilateral or bilateral hyperdense M1 segment of the MCA were evaluated. History of hypertension, diabetes, and hematocrit were obtained and compared with a control group of patients without a hyperdense MCA. RESULTS None of the patients had a unilateral hyperdense MCA ipsilateral to a clinically identifiable stroke. Patients with a hyperdense MCA had a statistically higher hematocrit and also a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus than patients without a hyperdense MCA. The higher hematocrit may have increased the density of the blood, while both diabetes and hypertension are associated with calcification within blood vessel walls. CONCLUSION A hyperdense MCA is not a reliable indicator of occlusion of this vessel or subsequent infarction.