Diffusion ; infarction ; Magnetic resonance imaging
Keywords
Diffusion ; infarction ; Magnetic resonance imaging
Abstract
Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the availability of classification of lacunar syndrome and of diffusion-weighted MRI as initial diagnostic tools for patients with lacunar syndrome.
Methods: From January 1 to October 31, 2001, we prospectively studied patients presenting with lacunar syndrome. All patients were scanned using diffusion-weighted MRI and were then classified into categories based on the diagnosis pure motor stroke and ataxic hemiparesis, sensory motor stroke, pure sensory stroke, dysarthria-clumsy hand syndrome, and others.
Results: The total number of patents was 72; 60 cases of lacunar infarcts and 12 cases of lacunar hemorrhage. There were 42 cases of pure motor stroke and ataxic hemiparesis, 17 cases of sensory motor stroke, 8 cases of dysarthria-clumsy hand syndrome,, 3 cases of pure sensory stroke, 2 cases of others, Lacunar syndrome can be caused by lesions in a variety of locations, and specific location can cause a variety of lacunar syndromes. With diffusion-weighted MRI, lacunar syndromes were visible in 91.7% of the patients (66/72) and lacunar infarcts were visible in 90% (54/60). The mean size of the lacunar infarcts was 11.90±5.04mm and the mean volume of lacunar hemorrhages was 4.70±2.08ml.
Conclusion: This study showed that the classification of lacunar syndrome was of little benefit in the diagnosis and treatment of a lacunar infarct. Diffusion-weighted MRI, however, was a good initial diagnostic tool in cases of lacunar infarcts. An additional study of the availability of diffusion-weighted MRI for use in cases of hemorrhagic lesions is needed.