Initial MRI findings predict progressive lacunar infarction in the territory of the lenticulostriate artery.

Background/aims: The mechanisms underlying neurological deterioration in patients with acute lacunar infarction in the lenticulostriate artery (LSA) territory are currently unclear. We aimed to identify predictors for progressive neurological deficits using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).

Methods: We studied 40 consecutive patients who were classified into two groups based on their NIHSS scores: progressive infarction (PI) and non-progressive infarction (NPI).