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Anatomic imaging has greatly improved stroke management by differentiating ischemic from hemorrhagic strokes and excluding nonvascular etiologies. Little or no information is provided,however,on blood flow,neuronal function and metabolism,and stroke mechanism.Functional imaging with positron emission tomography(PET),single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT),or experimental magnetic resonance techniques (spectroscopy,diffusion,perfusion)can supply such information and should improve treatment strategies.High costs,technical complexity,and time constraints have restricted PET to universities and research centers. Alternatively,availability,practicality,lower cost,and technologic improvements of SPECT have increased its clinical use in the evaluation and treatment of stroke. |
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