The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

CT Perfusion for Stroke Evaluation

Rapid CT-based imaging of cerebral blood flow to identify salvageable brain tissue in acute stroke.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Radyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is CT Perfusion for Stroke Evaluation?

CT perfusion (CTP) involves repeated dynamic scanning during the bolus passage of intravenous contrast, generating maps of cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), mean transit time (MTT), and time to peak (Tmax).

In acute stroke, CTP differentiates irreversibly infarcted core (low CBV, low CBF) from reversibly affected penumbra (low CBF, preserved CBV). This is critical for selecting patients for endovascular thrombectomy in the extended time window (6 to 24 hours) per DAWN and DEFUSE 3 criteria.

Modern automated software (e.g., RAPID, Olea) provides rapid quantitative maps that have transformed stroke care. Limitations include radiation dose, contrast use, and motion artifacts.

Symptoms

Acute stroke symptoms (sudden weakness, speech disturbance, vision loss)
Wake-up stroke or unknown onset
Beyond 6-hour window (4.5 to 24 hours)
Need to identify ischemic penumbra
Decision-making for endovascular thrombectomy
Differentiation of stroke mimics
Vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Risk Factors

Hypertension
Atrial fibrillation
Diabetes mellitus
Hyperlipidemia
Smoking and obesity
Carotid artery stenosis
Prior stroke or transient ischemic attack

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Sudden onset of focal neurological deficit
  • Suspected stroke beyond 6 hours from onset
  • Wake-up stroke
  • Need for thrombectomy decision-making
  • Suspected stroke mimic
  • Vasospasm assessment in subarachnoid hemorrhage

Treatment Methods

01
Rapid acquisition (less than 5 minutes) in dedicated CT scanner
02
Bolus iodinated contrast through power injector
03
Automated quantitative penumbra and core maps
04
Combined with non-contrast CT and CT angiography
05
Multidisciplinary stroke team review
06
Decision for IV thrombolysis or endovascular thrombectomy
07
Post-treatment imaging follow-up

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Radyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Radyoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

What Is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)?

Radyoloji

MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves and is the gold standard for imaging the brain, spine, joints, and internal organs.

What Is CT (Computed Tomography)?

Radyoloji

Computed tomography provides rapid, detailed cross-sectional images in emergency, trauma, and oncology cases.

What Is Ultrasound (Ultrasonography)?

Radyoloji

Ultrasonography is radiation-free and is widely used in pregnancy follow-up and the evaluation of abdominal organs and superficial tissues.

What Is an X-ray (Plain Radiograph)?

Radyoloji

X-ray is the oldest and most widely used radiologic test, providing rapid diagnosis in bone and lung pathologies.

Mammography

Radyoloji

Mammography is specialized low-dose X-ray imaging of breast tissue that detects cancer, often before clinical palpation, and is the primary tool for breast cancer screening in women 40 and older per ACR/ESR guidelines.

Doppler Ultrasound

Radyoloji

Doppler USG is critical for evaluating deep vein thrombosis, carotid stenosis, and organ blood flow.

Angiography

Radyoloji

Angiography examines all vascular systems in the body in detail, especially the cardiac and cerebral vessels.

PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography)

Radyoloji

PET-CT combines metabolic activity with anatomical imaging in cancer staging and treatment-response evaluation.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.