Imaging developing brain infarction

Continued advances in neuroimaging technology have made it practical to ima ge multiple aspects of evolving brain infarction during the potential windo w period of therapeutic opportunity in stroke. Recent methodologic developm ents include computed tomography angiography and perfusion, and the descrip tion of quantitative parameters for magnetic resonance blood oxygen level-d ependent perfusion imaging. In pathophysiologic studies, metabolism and fun ction in the ischemic focus and the peri-infarct tissue have been further c haracterized. Clinical studies have focused on the applications of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for prethrombolysis patient sele ction. These methods have an important role in the evaluation and developme nt of new pharmaceutical agents and will be increasingly used in clinical p ractice as new therapies become available. Curr Opin Neurol 12:65-71. (C) 1 999 Williams & Wilkins.