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. 1993 May-Jun;14(3):669-73.

Hyperdense middle cerebral arteries identified on CT as a false sign of vascular occlusion

R A Rauch  1 , C Bazan 3rd, E M Larsson, J R Jinkins
Affiliations

Hyperdense middle cerebral arteries identified on CT as a false sign of vascular occlusion

R A Rauch et al. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 1993 May-Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the middle cerebral artery (MCA) on CT, including its relationship to cerebral infarction.

Methods: Thirteen patients with either a unilateral or bilateral hyperdense M1 segment of the MCA were evaluated. History of hypertension, diabetes, and hematocrit were obtained and compared with a control group of patients without a hyperdense MCA.

Results: None of the patients had a unilateral hyperdense MCA ipsilateral to a clinically identifiable stroke. Patients with a hyperdense MCA had a statistically higher hematocrit and also a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus than patients without a hyperdense MCA. The higher hematocrit may have increased the density of the blood, while both diabetes and hypertension are associated with calcification within blood vessel walls.

Conclusion: A hyperdense MCA is not a reliable indicator of occlusion of this vessel or subsequent infarction.

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