Abstract WP53: Can Attenuation Characteristics On Non Contrast CT Be Used In Place Of Diffusion FLAIR Mismatch In The Imaging Triage Of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients?

• Published in: Stroke (1970) 2013-02, Vol.44 (suppl_1)
• Main Authors: Menon, Bijoy K, Mahajan, Aakash, Nambiar, Vivek K, Qazi, Abdul, Qazi, Emmad, Kosior, Jayme, Hill, Michael D, Goyal, Mayank, Demchuk, Andrew, Sohn, Sung I
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0039-2499; 1524-4628
• DOI: 10.1161/str.44.suppl_1.AWP53

Abstract only Purpose: We aimed to determine if attenuation characteristics on NCCT can be used in place of DWI FLAIR“mismatch”as an imaging paradigmto detect patients within a recommended time window for thrombolysis. Methods: Data is from consecutive acute stroke patients (2005-2009) from Keimyung University, South Korea analyzed at the University of Calgary. Only patients with visible anterior circulation occlusions on baseline CT-angio, known stroke symptom onset time and MRI within 60 minutes of baseline CT were included. All patients received revascularization therapy (IV tPA and/or IA). DWI FLAIR mismatch and CT changes at baseline were diagnosed by consensus. Ratio of ipsilateral vs. contralateral CT HU (rCT) within baseline DWI lesion was calculated. CT attenuation within DWI lesion was qualitatively graded into a) equal or more (subtle)or b) less than contralateral white matter (obvious). ROC analyses was used to compare the ability of models using DWI FLAIR mismatch vs. rCT in predicting onset to imaging time< 4.5 hrs and ICH at 24 hours. Results: Of 136 patients included [mean age 67.6 yrs (SD 11.2 yrs), 55.1% male, median onset to MR time was 159.5 minutes (IQR 128-226 mins)], 131/136 (96.3%) had DWI changes on baseline MRI. DWI FLAIR mismatch was seen in 88/136 (64.7%) andNCCT hypo-attenuation in 93/136 (68.9%). A rCT>=0.85predicted DWI FLAIR mismatch with a sensitivity of 72.5%, specificity of 75.6% and PPV of 85.3%. No patient without baseline CT changes had rCT=0.85 in predicting onset to MRtime