Enhancement of cerebral infarcts with CT

Abstract

Two Hundred and thirty-one cerebral infarcts were examined by 324 CT scans performed before and after injection of contrast medium. The injection was either by infusion (Group I: 99 patients) or by a bolus of a hyperosmolar medium (Group 11: 132 patients). In group 11, all the infarcts (95j) are enhanced. This high percentage is related to the injection method and the date of the exam; the maximum frequency of enhancement during the third and fourth weeks. Variations of osmolarity seem to play an important role. The mechanisms of this enhancement as well as its diagnostic and prognostic values are discussed.