Overview:
This two-hour course encompasses several aspects of MR imaging
for acute stroke. Although this course will mainly focus on clinical
aspects, underlying biological factors of neuroprotection and its
potential implications will be introduced and discussed. Building on the
biological aspects, the current status of several clinical trials where
MR imaging plays a critical role will be reported. In particular,
several lines of evidence using newer therapeutic interventions have
suggested that the therapeutic window can potentially be extended beyond
the currently approved 3hrs for tPA. This extended time window could
have profound implications and potentially modify the generally held
view of the role of MR in acute stroke management. In addition, 3T MR
has become more widely available; there is an increasing need to assess
how a higher field strength can offer additional information that may be
of critical importance for acute stroke management. Finally, the
development of future MR acute stroke protocols will be outlined.
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Educational Objectives:
Upon completion of this session, participants should be able to:
• Describe the underlying biological factors associated with
neuroprotection and its potential implications for MRI;
• Recognize the status of currently ongoing clinical trials where MR
plays a critical role;
• Determine how MR can potentially be further utilized for imaging acute
stroke patients;
• Evaluate whether or not a higher field strength is beneficial for the
management of acute stroke patients; and
• Identify the needed new MR technologies to further improve the
management of acute stroke patients.
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