Diagnostic Tests to Detect Cerebrovascular Disease
The diagnostic tests used to detect cerebrovascular disease include computed tomography, Cn scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebral angiography, and digital subtraction angiography.By using a contrast medium to enhance the view of cerebral vessels, a CT scan helps determine whether a patient’s neurologic changes resulted from an ischemic or hemorrhagic CVA. In an ischemic CVA, the CT scan will show areas of decreased absorption or density. In a hemorrhagic CVA, it will show areas of increased absorption or density. If the patient has had an ischemic CVA, a CT scan can help determine the size and location of a thrombus or embolus. A CT scan also can be used to monitor the effects of a patient’s treatment.
If the patient has experienced a hemorrhagic CVA, the physician may order an MRI to precisely locate the lesion.
Cerebral angiography helps identify the location of a hemorrhagic or ischemic CVA. This test also helps determine the extent of damage to the surrounding cerebral tissue, while allowing direct visualization of the cerebral vascular system. However, cerebral angiography may induce a cerebral embolism, cerebral hemorrhage, or spasm.
Digital subtraction angiography commonly is used with cerebral angiography to better visualize the cerebral arteries by computerized fluoroscopy.
Tags:cerebral arteries, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral vessels, Chronic Hypertension, diagnostic tests hemorrhagic cva