The 'fogging effect' is a phenomenon observed in CT or MRI imaging that results in a transient normalization of parenchymal abnormalities, such as changes in density or signal, in the context of ischemic strokes.
This effect is typically seen in 10 to 54% of cases during the subacute phase of cerebral infarction and is caused by the migration of lipid-rich macrophages, leukocytes, and the extravasation of red blood cells into the infarcted area.
These changes can cause an apparent improvement in imaging findings, leading to an incorrect interpretation of the patient’s condition. If this phenomenon is not recognized, it can result in diagnostic errors, potentially causing unnecessary treatment discontinuation or altered clinical management.
In this report, we present the case of a 60-year-old patient with a subacute ischemic stroke, where the 'fogging effect' was evident on both CT and MRI scans, emphasizing the importance of awareness in preventing misdiagnosis and ensuring appropriate treatment.
Key words: stroke, fogging effect, CT, MRI, SWI
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