Keywords:
Ischaemia / Infarction, Comparative studies, Image manipulation / Reconstruction, CT, Head and neck, Emergency
Authors:
K. A. R. Balalta; Dasmarinas city/PH
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2019/C-2422
Conclusion
Non-contrast head CT scan remains the best imaging modality for detecting hyperacute infarction in the emergency setting [4].
"Stroke windows" is more accurate in detecting hyperacute infarction than "brain windows" when using non-contrast CT scan (92% versus 68%).
This is similar but not as striking as the result found by Mainali,
et al.
showing an increase in stroke detection with 70% using "stroke windows",
versus 18% using "brain windows" [1].
"Stroke windows" should be included in the standard imaging of emergency CT scans requested for patients with stroke-like symptoms,
by making the preset available in the institution’s CT scan system or by providing additional fims/print-outs.
Future studies are recommeded with a scope of multiple institutions,
with a greater number of patients and using a prospective study approach.
The author also recommends that due to the significantly better diagnostic accuracy of "stroke windows",
the default imaging presets provided by the different CT scan manufacturers should be amended to include "stroke windows" and its end users should be educated on utilizing their institutions’ image viewing systems,
if available,
to their advantage.