Application of DWI in Evaluating Parenchymal Lesions ofCerebral Venous Thrombosis
Application of DWI in Evaluating Parenchymal Lesions ofCerebral Venous Thrombosis
Abstract
Background: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a potentially life-threatening emergency. It is a cause of stroke with inconspicuous patho physiological properties that differ from arterial stroke. Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) helps in differentiating arterial and venous strokes. Objectives:To study the pattern of diffusion weighted imaging with its evolution over time in patients with cerebral venous thrombosisSubjects and Methods: Fiftypatientswith clinical CVT underwent DWI, conventional MRI and MRV in Department of Radiology, JJM Medical College, Davangere. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured inall of the abnormal lesions seen on DWI.Results:Four differentDWI patterns wereobserved: 1)Hemorrhagicinfarcts associated with heterogeneous signal intensity.2)Non-hemorrhagicinfarctsdemonstrating high signal intensities whichwereconfirmedwithADCvalues atinitialandfollowupstudies. 3) No DWI changes with increased ADC values 4) Intraparenchymal hemorrhage showing decreased signal intensity on DWI with increased ADC values.Conclusion: ThecurrentstudysuggeststhatDWIwithADCvaluescanbeusedto differentiate between vasogenic and cytotoxic oedema for tissue viability, early detection of ischemia andalso helps in assessing the severity and prognosis of parenchymal changes in patients with CVT.