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Contralateral flow reduction in unilateral stroke: evidence for transhemispheric diaschisis

Journal Article · · Stroke; (United States)

Using clinical presentation, angiography, computed tomography, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, 7 patients were identified who had strictly unilateral hemispheric infarction and unilateral cerebrovascular disease. In 6, cerebral blood flow measured by fluorine-18-fluoromethane inhalation and positron emission tomography was reduced in the contralateral hemisphere (p less than 0.05). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated a high correlation between contralateral flow reduction and the degree of flow impairment in the infarcted area (r = 0.941, p = 0.0014) but not with age, risk factor profile, blood pressure, PCO/sub 2/, hematocrit, or duration of stroke. We conclude that transhemispheric diaschisis best explains the contralateral flow reduction seen in supratentorial ischemic stroke.

Research Organization:
William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI
OSTI ID:
6075633
Journal Information:
Stroke; (United States), Journal Name: Stroke; (United States) Vol. 18:5; ISSN SJCCA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English