J Korean Radiol Soc.
1994 Dec;31(6):1005-1009.
Is Enhanced MRI Helpful in Brainstem Infarction?
Abstract
- PURPOSE
To determine the role of MR contrast enhancement in evaluating time course of brainstem infarction.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
MR imaging with IV administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine was
retrospectively reviewed in 43 patients with clinically and radiologically documented brainstem infarctions. The
of infarction was classified into spotty and patchy. Presence of parenchymal enhancement in infarction
evaluated.
RESULTS
By location, there were 34 pontine, 3 midbrain, 6 medullary infarctions. The age of the infarctions
ranged from 1 day to 9 months, with 5 patients scanned within 3 days and 10 scanned within 2 weeks of clinical
ictus. Abnormalities on T2-weighted images were encountered in every case, with spotty pattern in 14 cases
and patchy pattern in 29 cases. Parenchymal contrast enhancement was seen in 9 cases(20%), primarily
occurring between days 8 and 20.
CONCLUSION
MR contrast enhancement in brainstem infarction was infrequent that it may not be useful in
of the age of infarction.