Medical Case Reports

Fogging Effect in Strokes: Are We Aware of It?

Fogging effect is a transitory phenomenon of concealed cerebral infarction on computed tomography (CT). This effect is generally noticed within 2-3 weeks from the stroke onset.

CT scan is the initial diagnostic imaging tool to demonstrate Ischemic strokes and ruling out/in hemorrhage.

They usually demonstrate Hypo density on non-contrast CT scan. Iso-dense infarcts are misleading for radiologists and physicians as they might be interpreted as normal in spite of a clinically suspected stroke. Fogging reported to be seen in about 50% of the ischemic strokes.

Knowledge of this effect is crucial to avoid misinterpretation or underestimation of this important finding and my guide further management especially if anticoagulants are being considered.

Author(s):

Huda Al-Jadiry and Ahmed Q Hasan

Abstract | Full-Text | PDF

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