CT manifestations of cerebral infarction

Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
Updated on February 25, 2025
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Brain infarction has different manifestations on CT scans at different stages. Generally, within 24 hours, the CT scan may not show any imaging of the cerebral infarction lesion. However, some patients, especially those with thrombosis in the middle cerebral artery, might exhibit a high density sign in the middle cerebral artery. In cases of large-scale cerebral infarction, some sulci on the side affected by the infarction may appear shallower, indicating possible brain swelling. Generally, within 24 hours, a CT scan can reveal a low-density image, which appears relatively darker. This condition is typically considered a brain infarction, and as time progresses, this dark, or low-density image, tends to become even darker. In some patients during the acute phase, although the infarction may not be apparent, a CT scan is performed to rule out bleeding, as CT is very sensitive to bleeding.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Treatment of Cerebral Infarction

As society ages, the incidence of cerebral infarction is also increasingly higher, making rational treatment extremely important. Generally, the treatments for cerebral infarction include the following methods: The first point is intravenous thrombolysis, which is a very important treatment plan. If patients can reach the hospital within the thrombolysis time window and are assessed by a neurologist as having no contraindications, they can undergo intravenous thrombolysis treatment, from which many patients benefit. Second, with the advancement of medicine, some patients can also undergo interventional surgery for arterial thrombectomy. Third, the treatment for most patients mainly involves the use of antiplatelet drugs and statins. Additionally, medications that clear free radicals and protect brain cells are provided, along with scientifically-based rehabilitation training.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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Cerebral infarction X-ray manifestations

Brain infarction generally does not involve X-rays because X-rays primarily target bone issues, not brain tissue issues. If a brain infarction occurs, a cranial CT or MRI can be performed. In acute cases of sudden onset, a cranial CT is primarily used to exclude cerebral hemorrhage, as brain infarction typically does not show up in the acute phase. However, in cases of extensive brain infarction, changes might also appear on a CT during the acute phase. Additionally, after the acute phase, about 1 day or 24 hours later, brain infarctions generally appear as low-density shadows on a CT. On an MRI, in diffusion imaging, brain infarctions generally appear as high-density, high-signal areas, while they appear as low-signal areas in T1 imaging and high-signal areas in T2 imaging. It is also suggested to perform cranial magnetic resonance angiography to examine the status of the blood vessels.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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Brain infarction refers to the condition.

A cerebral infarction, commonly abbreviated, is typically referred to in full as thrombotic cerebral infarction or cerebral thrombosis. The most common cause is the formation of a local thrombus or from distant sites, such as the heart or major blood vessels, causing ischemia, hypoxia, and other disturbances in the cerebral blood supply. This results in localized ischemic necrosis or softening of brain tissue, leading to corresponding neurological deficits and signs.

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Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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Which department should I go to for a cerebral infarction?

Stroke is caused by blockage or narrowing of blood vessels within the skull, leading to ischemic necrosis of brain tissue and a range of symptoms. Typically, patients with strokes are seen in neurology departments. Of course, the location of the stroke varies, and each patient's clinical presentation is different. If a stroke occurs, a cranial CT scan can provide a clear diagnosis. Clinically, treatment primarily involves dehydration, lowering intracranial pressure, brain protection, and nutritional support. If the patient has a large area of cerebral infarction and high intracranial pressure, they can be seen in neurosurgery, where procedures such as craniotomy decompression may be used to reduce intracranial pressure.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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Is lacunar infarction hereditary?

Lacunar stroke is a type of small stroke that occurs within the brain due to the narrowing of small arteries. This narrowing is often caused by long-term hypertension or diabetes, among other risk factors, leading to the obstruction of these vessels. Some patients may not exhibit any symptoms, while others might experience mild symptoms. Regardless of the cause, both hypertension and diabetes have genetic components, suggesting that lacunar strokes are influenced by genetics but are not entirely hereditary. Furthermore, the specific location of a lacunar stroke within the brain determines the symptoms experienced, implying that the condition is not solely genetic but does have genetic factors.