Imaging the Future of Stroke: I. Ischemia

Envisioning the future of stroke appears daunting considering the milestones already achieved in stroke imaging. A historical perspective on the developments in stroke care provides a striking narrative of how imaging has transformed diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of cerebrovascular disorders. Multimodal imaging techniques such as CT and MRI, incorporating parenchymal depictions, illustration of the vasculature, and perfusion data, can provide a wealth of information regarding ischemic pathophysiology. Key elements of ischemic pathophysiology depicted with imaging include vascular occlusion, compensatory collateral flow, resultant hemodynamic conditions that reflect these sources of blood flow, and the neurovascular injury that ensues. The mantra of "time is brain" has been perpetuated, but this does not provide an entirely accurate reflection of ischemic pathophysiology and imaging insight shows far more than time alone. Maximizing the potential of perfusion imaging will continue to expand the nascent concept that cerebral ischemia may be completely reversible in certain scenarios. Novel modalities provide a fertile ground for discovery of therapeutic targets and the potential to assess effects of promising strategies. Beyond clinical trials, imaging has become a requisite component of the neurological examination enabling tailored stroke therapy with the use of detailed neuroimaging modalities. In this first article on ischemia, the focus is on the most recent imaging advances and exploring aspects of cerebral ischemia where imaging may yield additional therapeutic strategies. A subsequent article will review recent and anticipated imaging advances in hemorrhage. These thematic overviews underscore that imaging will undoubtedly continue to dramatically shape the future of stroke.