First Automated Stroke Imaging Evaluation via Electronic Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score in a Mobile Stroke...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Medical Imaging
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Mobile stroke units (MSUs) enhance prehospital acute stroke treatment.
• Novel software enables automatic electronic (e) evaluation of CT scans for early ischemic damage detection.
• The electronic Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (e-ASPECTS) software was developed for neuroradiological assessment.

Observation:

• The feasibility of integrating e-ASPECTS into an ambulance was examined.
• Clinical integration and utility were evaluated in 15 consecutive cases.
• e-ASPECTS values correlated with conventional neuroradiologic analysis by the MSU team.

Findings:

• Prehospital stroke management integration of e-ASPECTS onto MSUs proved feasible.
• e-ASPECTS facilitated decisions for prehospital thrombolysis and intra-arterial treatment.
• The software demonstrated robustness against artefacts, as seen in a case with pre-existing vascular conditions.

Implications:

• This study demonstrates the feasibility of integrating e-ASPECTS into prehospital stroke care via MSUs.
• e-ASPECTS aids in selecting appropriate treatment options and optimizing hospital triage.
• This integration has the potential to improve acute stroke management and patient outcomes.