Performing a Low-dose, Whole-body Angiography as the First Element of an Imaging Assessment Following Stroke / TIA

"Patients will have the usual post-stroke/TIA imaging assessment according to routine procedures in each participating center. The latter most often begin with an angiography of the supra-aortic trunks but may also include a range of other imaging exams depending on the patient's condition.~Routine Imaging Assessment refers to an imaging strategy and not a specific device. The devices used depend on what is available in participating centres and the routine choices made by those centers."

"Patients randomized to this arm will start their post-stroke/TIA imaging assessment by a low-dose, whole-body angiography (LDWBA). The latter can be followed by routine imaging assessments if required.~LDWBA: This is a low dose scanner protocol comprising a CT acquisition and an iodine contrast medium injection. The acquisition includes a propeller during the arterial phase of the contrast agent injection in the cervical and thoracic levels with cardiac gaiting (ECG gating to reduce cardiac motion artifacts), continuing with pelvic abdominal arterial acquisition. The second propeller is made on the abdomen and pelvis at the portal time of injection. The reconstruction will be carried out in pulmonary, mediastinal and bone windows. The dose will be calculated for each patient."