Role of Higher b Values (b=2000) in Early Diagnosis of Stroke in Patients Undergoing MRI Brain

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the role of higher diffusion b values (b=2000) in Early Diagnosis of Stroke in Patients Undergo MRI Brain.

Methods: This study included 50 patients undergo MRI Brain with the symptoms of stroke. With the routine MRI Brain protocol an additional sequence of Diffusion (b = 2000) was acquired and analyzed based on three major parameters that are Number of Stroke Lesions, Area of Stroke Lesion & Size of the Largest Stroke Lesion.

Results: All lesions were hyperintense on the DW MR images with high and standard b-values. Only one additional acute stroke lesion was revealed with high b-value, which were not clearly appeared on standard b value and 1 false positive stroke lesions was revealed which were not appeared on b2000. Hence, b2000 images changed the mode of management in up to 5% cases in our study. However, all lesions were more conspicuous at high b-value increasing the diagnostic confidence.

Conclusion: Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) with higher b-values, particularly b2000 s/mm², represents a significant advancement in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients at 1.5 Tesla field strength. The integration of b2000 data with conventional DWI and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) maps provides a more robust and comprehensive assessment of ischemic brain tissue, crucial for timely and effective stroke management