Role of computed tomography in diagnosis of cerebral infarction

ABSTRACT

CT study was done to 78 patients presenting with clinical findings suggestive of brain infarction. The CT appearance of brain infarction was found to be dependent on many parameters, mainly the age and stage of the infarction whether initial, developmental or sequellar stage, the location of infarction whether superficial or deep and the size of infarction area whether small or massive. Hypodensity was the most characteristic and most stable CT abnormality of brain infarct. Diminution or disappearance of hypodensity, the fogging effect, occurred during the second and third weeks after the ictus. This phenomenon lasts for few days and may present a great diagnostic difficulty. Contrast enhancement is of utmost importance in detecting cerebral infarction during this period