Analysis of encephalic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging in patients with Transcranial Doppler high intensity transient signals

Alberto Surur, Lucas M. Pessini Ferreira, Jorge A. Galíndez, Juan J. Martín

Article ID: 1744
Vol 5, Issue 1, 2022

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Abstract


Objective: To describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the brain in patients younger than 65 years who were studied by transcranial Doppler (TCD) with microbubble contrast, with a history of cryptogenic cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and suspected patent foramen ovale (PFO).

Materials and methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients of both sexes, younger than 65 years of age.

Results: Our sample (n = 47.47% male and 53% female, mean age is 42 years) presented high-intensity transient signals (HITS) positive in 61.7% and HITS-negative in 38.3%. In HITS-positive patients, lesions at the level of the subcortical U-brains, single or multiple with bilaterally symmetrical distribution, predominated. In patients with moderate HITS, lesions in the vascular territory of the posterior circulation predominated.

Conclusion: In patients younger than 65 years with cryptogenic stroke and subcortical, single or multiple U-shaped lesions with bilateral and symmetrical distribution, a PFO should be considered as a possible cause of these lesions.


Keywords


Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Patent Foramen Ovale

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.24294/irr.v5i1.1744

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