Probability of Cortical Infarction Predicted by Flumazenil Binding and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Signal Intensity

Abstract
Background and Purpose— The differentiation of reversible from irreversible ischemic damage is essential for identifying patients with acute ischemic deficits who may benefit from therapeutic interventions. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has become the method of choice to detect ischemic lesions. Positron emission tomography (PET) of the central benzodiazepine receptor ligand 11C flumazenil (FMZ) has been shown to be a reliable marker of neuronal integrity. These 2 imaging parameters were compared with respect to the probability to predict cortical infarction in early ischemic stroke.