Sequential computed tomography scans in acute cerebral infarction.

Sequential computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained in 30 patients with acute cerebral infarction. In some cases, infarction was seen on the scans as early as three to six hours after onset of symptoms. Although small areas of petechial hemorrhagic infarction are not easily detected by currently available equipment, positive contrast enhancement helps locate petechial hemorrhagic infarction, which is usually in the cortical gray matter of the cerebral mantle and the central gray matter of the deep central gray matter. Contrast-enhanced CT scans are a useful method for detecting small infarctions. However, when a CT scan is performed within five days of ictus, contrast enhancement is usually not required.