Stroke subtypes on imaging in a Jamaican population: a hospital-based study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.
• Understanding stroke subtype patterns is crucial for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
• Limited data exists on stroke subtype distribution in the Caribbean population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency and pattern of stroke subtypes diagnosed via Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
• To compare the observed stroke subtype pattern with international cohorts.
• To investigate potential gender differences in stroke subtype prevalence.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of stroke patients undergoing CT or MRI at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) from January 2001 to December 2004.
• Data collection included patient demographics (age, gender) and stroke classification (cerebral infarct, intra-parenchymal haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage).
• Analysis of 433 patient records, with 414 CT scans and 19 MRI scans.

Main Results:

• Ischaemic infarct was the most prevalent stroke subtype, accounting for over 80% of cases, followed by intra-parenchymal haemorrhage and subarachnoid haemorrhage.
• Subarachnoid haemorrhage was the least common subtype and predominantly affected younger patients.
• No significant statistical difference in stroke subtype distribution was observed between male and female patients.

Conclusions:

• The stroke subtype pattern in Jamaica aligns with findings from Australian and European populations but diverges from Asian cohorts.
• Ischaemic infarct is the predominant stroke subtype in this Jamaican cohort.
• Stroke occurrence did not show a gender predilection for any specific subtype.