Table 1 Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

• AIS or TIA with a clinically relevant diffusion restriction identified on MRI DWI-sequence on admission

• Admittance within 24 h from symptom onset

• Age ≥ 60

Exclusion criteria

• Dependency in activities of daily living (mRS score > 2)

• Known dementia, neurodegenerative disease, or other significant brain disease

• Concomitant life-threatening disease

• Contraindications to undergo MRI

• Allergy or intolerance to MRI contrast agents

• eGFR < 30

• Unable to give written informed consent

• Deemed unfit for follow-up