The value of MR diffusion-weighted imaging in the diagnosis of acute cerebral infarction

Objective:To assess the value of MR diffusion-weighted imaging (MRI-DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient maps(ADC maps) in the diagnosis of acute cerebral infarction. Methods:Eighteen patients with onset of strokelike symptoms underwent MRI-DWI and ADC maps were calculated and the results were compared with CT and conventional MR imaging.Results:In all of the 18 patients,MRI-DWI and ADC maps revealed 42 acute lesions,however conventional MR imaging only revealed 19 acute lesions.Three of the 18 patients had performed CT scan before MRI,but only one patient who suffered from large acute infarction in the middle cerebral artery territory had signs of acute cerebral infarction.Conclusion:Diffusion-weighted MR imaging is superior to CT and conventional MR imaging in the diagnosis of acute cerebral infarction. Furthermore, it can differentiate acute cerebral infarction from subacute and chronic cerebral infarction.