MULTIFUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING OF CEREBROVASCULAR-DISEASE

Over the last few years magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has developed into a multipurpose imaging technique. In addition to anatomical info rmation, data can be obtained on perfusion, metabolism and imaging of the vascular anatomy. Especially in the field of neuroradiology the po ssibilities for obtaining multifunctional information from combined MR examinations are promising. In particular, stroke or stroke-related r esearch benefits from these developments. This article reviews the cur rent status and the potential of newly developed MR techniques with re gard to the intracranial hemodynamic changes in patients with severe s tenosis or occlusion of the internal carotid artery. The combination o f MR angiography, perfusion-weighted MRI and MR spectroscopic imaging seems especially useful in the management of the individual patient.