Susceptibility Weighted Imaging in Cerebral Vascular Thrombosis: Revolutionizing Diagnostic Imaging

Background: Cerebral vascular thrombosis (CVT), a potentially fatal neurological condition, requires accurate imaging for timely diagnosis and management. While conventional MRI sequences provide valuable information, they often lack the sensitivity for detecting subtle vascular and parenchymal changes. Susceptibility Weighted Imaging (SWI), an advanced MRI technique, offers enhanced visualization of intravascular clots, venous congestion, hemorrhagic transformation, and ischemic penumbra. Objective: To assess the diagnostic efficacy of SWI in comparison with conventional MRI sequences, including T1W, T2W, and NC-MRA/MRV, in detecting cerebral vascular thrombosis and associated complications. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 50 patients presenting with clinical suspicion of CVT at a tertiary care center. All patients underwent imaging using a Siemens Magnetom Essenza 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner. The performance of SWI in detecting intravascular clots, hemorrhagic areas, venous congestion, and ischemic penumbra was analyzed and compared to other sequences. Results: SWI demonstrated superior sensitivity for intravascular clot detection (89.24%) compared to T1W (54.84%), T2W (58.06%), and NC-MRA/MRV (85.71%). These features establish SWI as a critical modality in CVT diagnosis and management. Conclusion: SWI significantly enhances diagnostic precision in CVT and related pathologies. Its integration into routine imaging protocols is strongly recommended to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.