Recanalization and reversal of diffusion abnormalities and markedly reduced cerebral blood volume in a patient with transient ischemic attack.

Resolution of diffusion abnormalities is a finding that is rarely seen in hyperacute cerebral ischemia. We report a serial study of diffusion and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a case of transient ischemic attack (TIA). In the current case, marked decrease of cerebral blood volume (CBV) as well as reduced diffusion in the affected middle cerebral arterial territory was shown by the initial diffusion and perfusion MRI at 1.5 h after onset. The initial MRI findings as well as neurological symptoms recovered probably due to prompt and spontaneous recanalization of thrombosed vessel.