Diffusion weighted MRI imaging and MES detection in the assessment of stroke origin.

Objectives: This study compares the additional benefit of diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) and microembolus detection by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) in the assessment of stroke etiology.

Methods: Fifty-five acute anterior circulation stroke or TIA patients were investigated by both cranial DWI and bilateral TCD of the middle cerebral arteries (1 hour).

Results: In one of the 13 patients without acute ischemic lesions visualized on DWI, microembolic signal (MES) detection was positive.

Reduction of circulating microemboli in the subclavian vein of patients undergoing haemodialysis using pre-filled instead of dry dialysers.

Background: Chronic microembolization that can be demonstrated by pulsed Doppler ultrasound may give rise to pulmonary side-effects during haemodialysis by direct vessel obstruction, increased complement activation or platelet aggregation. The objective of the present investigation was to study whether the use of pre-filled instead of dry dialysers would help to minimize the number of microemboli.

Methods: The study cohort consisted of 23 patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis.