Perfusion-weighted MRI Evaluation of Hemodynamic Status of Internal Carotid Stenosis or Occlusion

Objective To evaluate hemodynamic characteristics in the stenosis or occlusion of internal carotid artery with perfusion-weighted MRI.Materials and Methods Forty-six patients with unilateral internal carotid stenosis or occlusion were collected. By using perfusion-weighted MRI technique, the hemodynamic status was evaluated.Results In all patients, no significant decrease in regional cerebral blood flow was seen, although marked delayed perfusion in middle cerebral artery distribution could be found. In the patients with severe stenosis or occlusion, perfusion disorder at the border zone was observed. Collateral circulation of different pattern had effect only on the middle cerebral artery distribution area, and the anterior communicating artery showed more obvious effect.Conclusion Perfusion-weighted MRI can precisely evaluate the hemodynamic status in patients with unilateral internal carotid stenosis or occlusion. The hemodynamic disorder is well correlated with both stenotic degree and collateral circulation.