In diffusion-weighted MRI, an area of acute ischaemic stroke typically appears as which of the following on the DWI trace image?
- A Hyperintense (bright) due to restricted diffusion ✓
- B Isointense (same as normal brain)
- C Hypointense (dark) due to increased water mobility
- D Hypointense (dark) due to vasogenic oedema
Correct answer: A. Hyperintense (bright) due to restricted diffusion
Explanation
In acute cytotoxic oedema of infarction, intracellular water diffusion is restricted. On DWI, this restricted diffusion produces high signal (bright appearance). The corresponding ADC map shows low signal, confirming true restriction rather than T2 shine-through.
Reference: Stark and Bradley, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.