Peri-thrombus vascular hyperintensity sign: detection of intracranial thrombus location and length in acute ischemic stroke

Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of peri-thrombus vascular hyperintensity sign (PVHS) on three-dimensional (3D) black-blood (BB) contrast-enhanced MRI for the detection of intracranial thrombus location and length in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Materials and methods Consecutive AIS patients who underwent MRI including 3D BB contrast-enhanced MRI sequence within 8 h of clinical onset were prospectively evaluated. Two readers independently reviewed the 3D BB contrast-enhanced MRI data to assess the presence and location of PVHS. Findings were compared with those of contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) as the reference standard. Results The PVHS was identified in 49% (63/129) of AIS patients with good agreement. The PVHS had 100% specificity, 88% negative predictive value, 89% sensitivity, and 100% positive predictive value for detection of acute arterial occlusions. Eight patients showed discordant thrombus locations between 3D BB contrast-enhanced MRI and CE-MRA. Median thrombus length in patients with complete occlusion was 9.61 mm. Conclusion The PVHS on 3D BB contrast-enhanced MRI is a highly specific tool for evaluating the location and length of a thrombus in AIS patients.