1Research Scholar at Dr. Yellapragada Subbarao Research Center, Dr. Samuel George Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Email: gowthamkumarpharma@gmail.com
2Principal & Professor at Dr. Yellapragada Subbarao Research Center, Dr. Samuel George Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Email: drdesu2021@gmail.com
Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, and timely imaging is central to effective management. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and carotid Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) each provide distinct but complementary perspectives on brain and vascular pathology. MRI is highly sensitive for detecting acute ischemic changes, particularly with diffusion-weighted imaging, which can reveal infarcts within minutes of onset. Perfusion sequences further help identify tissue at risk, guiding urgent therapeutic decisions. MRA adds crucial information by delineating intracranial and extracranial vascular anatomy, detecting stenosis, occlusion, or dissection, and supporting decisions about endovascular intervention. CDUS, in contrast, offers a rapid, non-invasive evaluation of extracranial carotid arteries, quantifying stenosis and assessing hemodynamic relevance, which is vital for determining candidacy for carotid endarterectomy or stenting. Together, these modalities shape both immediate and long-term management. MRI lesion volume correlates with functional prognosis, MRA findings inform recurrence risk, and CDUS supports vascular surveillance. Importantly, their integration enhances diagnostic accuracy: MRI defines tissue viability, MRA maps vascular pathology, and CDUS evaluates extracranial flow dynamics. This multimodal approach reduces misdiagnosis, ensures timely intervention, and enables individualized treatment planning. In summary, while each technique has unique strengths, their combined use provides a comprehensive view of ischemic stroke. Multimodal imaging is not simply additive but essential, offering a holistic framework that improves acute care and long-term outcomes.
Key words: Magnetic resonance angiography; Carotid Doppler ultrasound; Magnetic resonance imaging; Ischemic stroke
How to cite this article: Koyya GK, Desu PK. A Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate the Outcomes of Brain MRI, MR Angiography, and Carotid Doppler Ultrasound in Smoking Versus Non-Smoking Patients with Ischemic Stroke: A Review on Multimodal Imaging in Ischemic Stroke and Therapeutic Decision-Making. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(8s): 952-958; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.8s.106
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None