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Acute right MCA M1 occlusion

Case contributed by Bálint Botz
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Acute onset (approximately 2 hours) left sided hemiplegia, dysarthria.

Patient Data

Age: 80 years
Gender: Female

CT brain non-contrast

ct

The noncontrast CT of the head demonstrated no intracranial hemorrhage, however an extensive hyperdense MCA sign was observed beginning in the M1 segment of the right MCA (see key image). An accompanying reduced density of the head of the right caudate nucleus and the right lentiform nucleus can be observed, when compared to the unaffected contralateral side (see rewindowed key images) corresponding to an ASPECTS score of 8. 

Incidentally, extensive calcification can be observed along the falx cerebri.

e-ASPECTS automated e...

ct

e-ASPECTS automated evaluation for signs of acute MCA region ischemia

Evaluation with the e-ASPECTS software also confirmed the involvement of the right caudate and lentiform nuclei, and determined an ASPECTS score of 8. The examination was continued with CT angiography. 

CT angiography

ct

Multiphase CT perfusion angiography demonstrated the occlusion of the M1 segment of the right MCA with good filling of collaterals delayed by one phase, corresponding to an mCTA collateral score of 4. 

CT perfusion analysis

ct

CT perfusion maps demonstrated reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) and volume (CBV), and increased mean transit time (MTT) and Tmax in the ischemic region. The relative size of the infarct core and penumbra, and the potential recuperation ratio (PRR) was also calculated, demonstrating a relatively low value (40%), an indicator of unfavorable prognosis. However, based on the good ASPECTS score (8) and mCTA collateral score (4), the patient was nevertheless selected and admitted for urgent mechanical thrombectomy which was successfully performed.

Case Discussion

The case demonstrates a fairly typical sequence of imaging in acute MCA occlusion. The initial noncontrast CT shows subtle signs of ischemia; nevertheless, the site of occlusion and the core ischemic regions can already be determined based on this. CT angiography confirms the occlusion and helps to determine the collateral filling, while the true extent of ischemia is only revealed by CT perfusion and postprocessing.

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