BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vessel signs, such as the susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) on T2*-gradient echo imaging (T2*) and the hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) on CT, are well-known markers of arterial occlusion. However, the relationship between the signs is not fully known. METHODS: Patients suspected of having hyperacute (<3 h from symptom onset) stroke were prospectively enrolled. MRI including T2* and MR angiography, and thin-section CT were performed on admission. The consistency between SVS and HMCAS were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 67 patients [38 males, median age: 76 (interquartile range: 67-82) years, median NIHSS score: 12 (4-21)] were enrolled. SVS was observed in 6 patients (9%), and HMCAS was present in 8 (12%). Sixteen patients (24%) had middle cerebral artery proximal (M1) occlusion on MR angiography. The presence or absence of SVS was highly consistent with that of HMCAS when all cases were evaluated (ĸ = 0.841), as well as when only patients with M1 occlusion were assessed (ĸ = 0.750). CONCLUSION: SVS and HMCAS were highly consistent with each other in suspected hyperacute stroke patients. SVS and HMCAS may represent the same thrombus.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vessel signs, such as the susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) on T2*-gradient echo imaging (T2*) and the hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) on CT, are well-known markers of arterial occlusion. However, the relationship between the signs is not fully known. METHODS:Patients suspected of having hyperacute (<3 h from symptom onset) stroke were prospectively enrolled. MRI including T2* and MR angiography, and thin-section CT were performed on admission. The consistency between SVS and HMCAS were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 67 patients [38 males, median age: 76 (interquartile range: 67-82) years, median NIHSS score: 12 (4-21)] were enrolled. SVS was observed in 6 patients (9%), and HMCAS was present in 8 (12%). Sixteen patients (24%) had middle cerebral artery proximal (M1) occlusion on MR angiography. The presence or absence of SVS was highly consistent with that of HMCAS when all cases were evaluated (ĸ = 0.841), as well as when only patients with M1 occlusion were assessed (ĸ = 0.750). CONCLUSION: SVS and HMCAS were highly consistent with each other in suspected hyperacute strokepatients. SVS and HMCAS may represent the same thrombus.