Misleading CT perfusion in subacute ischemic stroke

Abstract

The RAPID (c) software is the most commonly used computed tomography perfusion (CTP) software in stroke centers. It is estimated that about 1300 hospitals in the world are using this software for decision-making in ischemic stroke. The software provides the estimated volume of infarction and ischemic penumbra, so it is the backbone of treatment planning in these patients. In this manuscript, we present two cases of subacute infarction with misleading CTP using RAPID (c) software. We believe that given the popularity of this software and increasing application of CTP in subacute infarction, this pitfall is likely underdiagnosed in many patients. In a subacute phase of infarction, we recommend diffusion-weighted imaging magnetic resonance imaging (DWI-MRI) for estimation of infarction to avoid this pitfall and possible mismanagement.