Abstract
Background
Brain noncontrast computed tomography (CT), CT angiography, and magnetic resonance
imaging have been used clinically for decades, and emergency physicians have a good
understanding of their indications, the meaning of their results, and some facility
with the interpretation of CT. However, brain CT perfusion (CTP) is relatively new
and emergency physicians are less familiar with its basic concepts, indications, and
role in managing patients with neurological emergencies.
Objective
We will review the parameters of clinical interest on a CTP report, and how to incorporate
them into clinical decision-making.
Discussion
Endovascular therapies paired with CTP have opened up a new frontier in stroke management
for severely debilitated stroke patients. It is important for emergency physicians
to have an understanding of CTP and how to use it clinically.
Conclusion
Taking care of patients with large-vessel occlusions is multidisciplinary, and emergency
physicians need to understand CTP imaging and its clinical utility.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 07, 2020
Accepted:
December 4,
2019
Received in revised form:
November 20,
2019
Received:
October 18,
2019
Footnotes
None of the authors have any financial interests to declare, though Dr. Edlow sometimes reviews medical malpractice claims for both plaintiffs and defendants, and sometimes the cases are about stroke.
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
