Audit of a Policy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Diffusion-weighted Imaging as First-line Neuroimaging for In-patients with Clinically Suspected Acute Stroke

AIM: To audit the feasibility and use of diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as initial neuroimaging for in-patients with clinically suspected acute stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In April 2000, MRI with DW and T2-weighted sequence was locally instituted as initial neuroimaging...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical radiology 2003-03, Vol.58 (3), p.234-237
Main Authors: Buckley, B.T, Wainwright, A, Meagher, T, Briley, D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
CVA
Decision Making
diffusion-weighted imaging
Feasibility Studies
Humans
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods
Medical Audit
Medical sciences
MRI
Nervous system
Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry
stroke
Stroke - diagnosis
Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
Tomography, X-Ray Computed - standards
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Summary:AIM: To audit the feasibility and use of diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as initial neuroimaging for in-patients with clinically suspected acute stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In April 2000, MRI with DW and T2-weighted sequence was locally instituted as initial neuroimaging for patients with clinically suspected acute stroke. This retrospective study reviewed imaging performed for in-patients with suspected acute stroke over a 9-month period. Data were collected on image type, result and need for repeat imaging. RESULTS: During the study period, 124 patients had neuroimaging for suspected cerebrovascular accident, and 119 were MRI safe. Eighty-eight (73.9%) patients underwent DW MRI as first-line investigation. Five patients were not MRI safe and 31 had computed tomography (CT) as first-line imaging due to lack of available MRI capacity. Repeat neuroimaging was performed in 16 (12.9%) patients. Study times were comparable for both types of neuroimaging: a mean of 13 min for MRI and 11 min for CT. CONCLUSION: The audit standard was achieved in 88 (73.9%) patients. The use of DW MRI as a first-line investigation for patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute stroke is achievable in a district general hospital setting.
ISSN:0009-9260
1365-229X
DOI:10.1016/S0009-9260(02)00463-4