A new sign-Hyperdense Posterior Cerebral Artery Sign as marker of ischemia

The Hyperdense Posterior Cerebral Artery Sign. A Computed Tomography Marker of Acute Ischemia in the Posterior Cerebral Artery Territory.

In the anterior circulation, the hyperdense middle cerebral artery (MCA) sign is a well-established marker for early ischemia. Similarly, the hyperdense basilar artery sign or the MCA "dot" sign may be a diagnostic clue for basilar artery or distal MCA branch thrombosis.

In this article in Stroke 2006 Jan 5; [Epub ahead of print] authors (Kring T et al) have found that an Hyperdense posterior cerebral artery was detected in more than one third of all patients with PCA ischemia, suiting the incidence of the hyperdense MCA. Based on their results, this sign may not only be helpful in the early diagnosis of PCA infarction but might also act as a prognostic marker in acute PCA territory ischemic stroke.