MRI Techniques for Assessing Collateral Circulation and Clinical Implications in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Chang Hyo Yoon, MD and Oh Young Bang, MD
Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
ABSTRACT
In the setting of acute ischemic stroke, arterial revascularization to restore antegrade perfusion to ischemic territory remains the principal therapeutic approach. But there are growing evidences that collateral grade determines the effects of revascularization to restore antegrade flow. In this review, clinical implication of collaterals and stroke treatment focused on collateral enhancement, and MRI technique to visualize collateral flow are discussed.