Stroke Imaging: An Updated Data for Radiologists and Healthcare Professionals

Alenz, Awad Saber; Alkhaldi, Alanoud Ruwayhi Raja; Dhaifallah, Khalid Mohammed Ahmed; Alshammari, Bandar Mashaan; Alharbi, Mohamed Dhaifallah; Alanazi, Ali Muhareb; Al Harbi, Sami Faleh Abdullah; Alharbi, Thamer Abdullah Shujaa; Alanazi, Dina Dalh Samran; Alharbi, Abdullah Sayer; Alshammari, Salman Aqeel; Alharbi, Mualla Mohammed; Alhumaid, Nasser Mohammed Saleh; Alsubaie, Mohammed Alhumaidi Abdullah; Asiri, Safia Ibrahim; Albahle, Abdulkrem Mohammed; Alfraih, Feras Nasser; Albasheer, Alanoud Abdullah; Al Ghzwani, Mashael Khalid; Al Ghzwani, Ashwag Khalid

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2025.348046.11052

Stroke Imaging: An Updated Data for Radiologists and Healthcare Professionals

Document Type : Review Articles

Authors

¹ Northern Area Armed Forces Hospital, Ministry of Defense Health Services, Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia

² Ministry of Defense Health , Prince Sultan Military Medical City , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

³ Ministry of Defence Health, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

10.21608/ejchem.2025.348046.11052

Abstract

Background: Stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 795,000 new cases reported annually in the United States. Despite advancements in stroke management, it remains a significant contributor to disability, resulting in an annual healthcare burden of over $34 billion. Accurate neuroimaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing stroke, particularly in identifying ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, differentiating stroke mimics, and guiding interventions such as thrombolysis and thrombectomy.

Aim: This review aims to provide an updated understanding of the role of advanced neuroimaging modalities in stroke diagnosis, focusing on their clinical utility in acute and subacute settings. It examines the advantages and limitations of various imaging techniques used in stroke care.

Methods: The review discusses various neuroimaging techniques, including non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT), CT angiography (CTA), CT perfusion (CTP), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and ultrasonography. It highlights how each modality contributes to stroke management, from initial detection to post-treatment monitoring.

Results: Neuroimaging techniques like NCCT, CTA, and CTP are essential in rapidly assessing stroke patients in emergency departments. MRI, particularly DWI, is highly sensitive in detecting early ischemic changes. Advanced imaging techniques, such as CT perfusion, offer insight into brain perfusion and ischemic penumbra, which is vital for making treatment decisions.

Conclusion: Neuroimaging has revolutionized the management of stroke by offering precise diagnostic capabilities and assisting in treatment planning. With continuous advancements, imaging techniques like MRI and CTP are expected to further improve patient outcomes by providing more detailed information on ischemic damage and tissue salvageability.

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