Temporal Imaging Dynamics in Ischemic Stroke: Intensity- versus Volume-Based Metrics

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The fate of ischemic tissue following a thromboembolic occlusion depends on the degree of hypoperfusion and the time from stroke onset to reperfusion. Little is known about the temporal dynamics of hypoperfusion and tissue damage. In this cross-sectional study, we compared how onset-to-imaging (OTI) time is associated with volumetric versus intensity-based imaging markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: /s). Tissue damage was quantified on NCCT using software-assisted Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS), and contralaterally normalized signal intensities (NCCT HU, ADC, DWI-b0, DWI-b1000, CBF, Tmax) within the estimated infarct core. Associations with OTI time were evaluated using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for age, sex, occlusion site, and MR field strength. RESULTS: