Introduction: In acute ischemic stroke (AIS), neuroimaging studies are crucial to select patients to reperfusion therapies. Brain computed tomography is the fastest and most widely available technique. In extended window, over 6 hours, multimodal images through magnetic resonance (MRI) can select patients for thrombectomy based on penumbra studies. Objective: To propose a rapid multimodal MRI protocol for diagnose of AIS in a neurological hospital. Methods: AIS protocol patients (n=43) who presented over 4.5 hours of symptoms onset were selected to perform fast MRI study (diffusion-weighted image, FLAIR, EPI-gradient, neck MR angiography and contrast perfusion) in 1.5T and 3.0T machines. Total study time was computed, mean time was compared by Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Total mean time obtained was 13.5+2.0 minutes to perform all planned sequences, resulting in a median time of 13 minutes. It means a reduction of 35% compared to conventional MRI study.  Time in the 3.0T machine was lower than in 1.5T (13.8 versus 12.3 minutes, p<0,001). Additional MRI sequences were obtained in 33 patients, as a radiologist's indication. Thrombectomy was performed in one patient with 5 hours of ictus, Rankin 1 at discharge. Stroke mimic was diagnosed in 7 patients. Despite of some movement artefacts reported, no interpretation was compromised. Conclusion: it is feasible to reduce the time spent for acquiring MRI in the context of AIS. It requires a very well-trained team. Functional multimodal studies in AIS context demands more research about the short-time benefits provided for candidates for reperfusion therapies.

IS IT FEASIBLE TO SCREEN ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE PATIENTS WITH MULTIMODAL MRI? A PILOT STUDY