Neuro CT Appearances

Watershed Infarct CT Findings

• Wedge-shaped areas of hypodensity
• Linear small, distinct hypodense spots
• “String of pearls” appearance

Other Information About Watershed Infarcts

Etiology:

• Systemic hypoperfusion
• Focal arterial stenosis
• Microemboli

Epidemiology:

• Typically presents after age 60
• More common in males

Presentation:

• Seizures
• Aphasia
• Impaired vision

• Watershed infarcts are rarely fatal on their own
• A systemic cause of the watershed infarct may lead to short-term mortality
• The survival rate is around 90%