Table 3.

Advantages and limitations of CT and MR imaging

Imaging characteristics	CT	MRI
Availability in the acute setting (0–6 hours)	++	−
Rapid image acquisition	++	+
Lack of vulnerability to motion artifact	+	−
Accessibility for patients with monitors and/or ventilators	++	−
Feasibility and safety for patients with metallic implants (pacemakers, implantable defibrillators)	++	−
Lower cost	+	−
Lack of ionizing radiation	−	++
Renal toxicity associated with contrast administration	+	+
Time for post-processing angiography and perfusion imaging	−	−
Sensitivity to lacunar and posterior fossa infarcts	−	++
Differentiation between acute and chronic ischemia	−	++
Ability to assess causes of ICH or SAH while in the scanner	+	+
Detection of chronic hemorrhage including microbleeds	−	+