Dear readers,
Recent advancements in neuroimaging have reinforced the crucial role of CT in the clinical evaluation of cerebral ischemic stroke, particularly in acute settings. International and Italian guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic stroke—based on the results of the ESCAPE, EXTEND, DEFUSE 3, and DAWN trials—have established specific criteria and defined a dedicated three-step protocol involving CT imaging and the administration of iodinated contrast medium.
In this Newsletter, Professor Romano—whom we sincerely thank for his valuable contribution—provides a detailed overview of each phase of diagnostic and therapeutic workup in the videopill presented below. The role and purpose of each imaging technique, as well as the use of contrast medium in each of the three steps, are thoroughly explained starting from an illustrative case, ultimately guiding appropriate and timely clinical decision-making.
The two scientific papers selected for this issue explore the supportive role of artificial intelligence-powered software solutions, both currently available and under investigation, aimed at helping clinicians achieve accurate patient selection for treatment, and potentially enabling treatment individualization.
Finally, Professor Romano’s clinical case presentation retraces—from symptom onset to the precise diagnosis—the practical application of the three-step CT-based protocol to an elderly patient with suspected acute cerebral ischemic stroke.
We remind you that suggestions for topics to be covered in future issues of this newsletter are welcome. Please send your proposals to us at editorial@mdct.net.
From the MDCT.net team
