Comparison of MRI and CT for Detection of Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Abstract

Noncontrast computed tomography (CT) has been the standard imaging modality for the initial evaluation of patients presenting with acute stroke symptoms.^1,2 The primary diagnostic advantage of CT in the hyperacute phase (0 to 6 hours) is its ability to rule out the presence of hemorrhage. Accurate early detection of blood is crucial since a history of intracerebral hemorrhage is a contraindication to the use of thrombolytic agents. However, a major disadvantage of conventional CT within the first few hours of symptom onset is its limited sensitivity for identifying early evidence of cerebral ischemia.