Early ischemic infarct on noncontrast CT is typically seen as which finding?

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Multiple Choice

Early ischemic infarct on noncontrast CT is typically seen as which finding?

In acute ischemic stroke, early changes on a noncontrast CT are best described as a hypodense region in the affected brain territory. This reflects cytotoxic edema: ischemia causes failure of the Na+/K+ pumps, leading to intracellular water gain and reduced tissue density, making the area appear darker than normal brain and causing loss of the normal gray–white differentiation. Keep in mind that CT can be normal in the very early hours, but when evident, the characteristic finding is hypodensity. Hyperdensity would point to hemorrhage or a dense clot, and calcifications are typically separate chronic findings.

In acute ischemic stroke, early changes on a noncontrast CT are best described as a hypodense region in the affected brain territory. This reflects cytotoxic edema: ischemia causes failure of the Na+/K+ pumps, leading to intracellular water gain and reduced tissue density, making the area appear darker than normal brain and causing loss of the normal gray–white differentiation. Keep in mind that CT can be normal in the very early hours, but when evident, the characteristic finding is hypodensity. Hyperdensity would point to hemorrhage or a dense clot, and calcifications are typically separate chronic findings.

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