Stroke

Cardiovascular departments are playing a role in stroke interventions at numerous health systems, working as part of the stroke care team with neurologists, radiology and the emergency department. Stroke first has be be classified as ischemic or hemorrhagic. These have very different care pathways. Ischemic strokes are increasingly being treated with neurological-interventional therapy that includes catheter based mechanical thrombectomy to remove the clot. This is a more aggressive treatment compared to traditional IV administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) thrombolytic therapy to dissolve the clot. Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and  intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) brain bleeds can also be treated in some cases stent flow diverters and embolization coils. 

RSS icon
Ischemic stroke CT imaging. Images courtesy of RSNA

Stroke care still lags among certain Medicare populations

Despite increases of 250% for CTA and 428% for CTP, researchers observed lower rates of neuroimaging utilization among rural residents, older individuals (80 years and above), women and Black patients.

Ischemic stroke CT scan showing color coded blood flow for early and later arterial and venous contrast phases and areas of blocked blood flow. Image courtesy of RSNA

Disparities evident as CT stroke imaging rises sharply over 7-year period

Utilization of head CT perfusion (CTP) for imaging stroke patients spiked 428% between 2012 and 2019. Curiously, the uptrend was associated with higher mortality up to a year after discharge.

Thumbnail

Automated CT scoring system accurately predicts prognosis in stroke patients

The study used non-contrast CT and CT perfusion imaging to analyze agreement between an automated reader and human radiologists with differing experience levels.

Stroke thrombectomy outcomes similar between radiologists, fellowship-trained neurointerventionalists

Increased volume has led to stress among endovascular stroke physicians, with some hospitals relying on interventional rads to relieve the strain. 

Goldberg MRI stroke brain

Radiologists must change their approach to stroke care in the AI era

“Radiologists have an opportunity to situate themselves at the center of patient care, but it will require transforming the operational framework and rebranding ourselves," experts suggested in a new editorial.

Goldberg MRI stroke brain

New CT protocol uses scout images to expedite stroke patients' path to MRI

The new safety screening protocol should "markedly improve" current delays in screening patients, Mayo Clinic doctors explained.

Thumbnail

Mobile stroke units improve patient outcomes, reduce risk of disability

Researchers tracked data from more than 1,000 patients who received care from 2014 to 2020. 

Thumbnail

CT-based Mobile Stroke Care

Germany's ground-breaking use of CT scanners in ambulances to assess for possible stroke inspired one program in Houston to follow suit. Supporters predict it will transform care in the future. 

Displaying 17 - 24 of 24

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
New AI program delivers rapid, accurate echo video assessments

The new technology shows early potential to make a significant impact on imaging workflows and patient care. 

Radiology Business
Key Medicare reimbursement and No Surprises Act updates from RSNA 2024

Richard Heller III, MD, RSNA board member and senior VP of policy at Radiology Partners, offers an overview of policies in Congress that are directly impacting imaging.
 

Cardiovascular Business
Philips, Mayo Clinic using AI to improve cardiac MRI technology

The two companies aim to improve patient access to high-quality MRI scans by combining their artificial intelligence capabilities.