The disappearing basal ganglia sign

A 55-year-old male with previous stroke presented with right sided facial paralysis and body weakness, after falling at home. Neurological examination revealed an upper motor neuron lesion. Cranial computed tomography (CT) showed disappearing basal ganglia sign affecting the left basal ganglia (Figure  1A). Repeat CT (Figure  1B) depicted an acute left middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarct. Appropriate management was instituted; however, patient passed away. The disappearing basal ganglia sign is a CT sign of early MCA infarction.1 One study reported a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 100% for early CT signs within the basal ganglia, for cerebral vascular accidents.2
Source: QJM - Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research