STUDY OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE ANGIOGRAPHY IN EVALUATION OF PATIENTS OF ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Acute ischemic stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality
worldwide. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of vascular occlusion is critical for
effective management. Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) offers a noninvasive method to visualize cerebral vessels and identify occlusions or stenosis.
Objective: To evaluate the role of MRA in the assessment of patients presenting
with acute ischemic stroke in a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 174 patients aged above 18 years
presenting with stroke symptoms. MRA combined with brain MRI was performed
using a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine. Clinical data, stroke symptoms, duration,
comorbidities, and radiological findings were analyzed. Statistical analysis was
conducted using SPSS version 23.
Results: The majority of patients were male (72%) with a mean age of 43.5 ± 21.21
years. Common symptoms included arm weakness (29%) and face drooping (22%).
Large vessel anterior circulation stroke (33%) was the most frequent clinical
diagnosis. MRA detected large vessel occlusion in 26% of cases, while acute infarcts
were seen in 41% on MRI. Hypertension (27%) and diabetes (20%) were the most
prevalent comorbidities.
Conclusion: MRA is a valuable imaging modality in acute ischemic stroke for
detecting large vessel occlusions and guiding treatment. Its non-invasive nature and
diagnostic accuracy make it essential in tertiary care stroke evaluation.