ASPECTS (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score) Measurement Using Hounsfield Unit Values When Selecting Patients for
Maxim Mokin1, Christopher T Primiani2, Adnan H Siddiqui2
1From the Department of Neurosurgery, University of South Florida, Tampa (M.M., C.T.P.); Department of Neurosurgery, University at Buffalo, NY (A.H.S.); and Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (A.S.T.). maximmokin@gmail.com.
Stroke
|May 11, 2017
Summary
This study developed a Hounsfield unit (HU) algorithm to accurately measure Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) on initial CT scans. This method predicts final infarct extent in acute stroke patients undergoing revascularization.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Stroke Imaging
- Cerebrovascular Disease
Background:
- Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) quantifies early ischemic changes.
- Accurate ASPECTS measurement is crucial for acute stroke management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between Hounsfield unit (HU) values on initial CT scans and final infarct extent.
- To develop a rapid and accurate method for ASPECTS assessment in large vessel occlusion stroke.
Main Methods:
- ASPECTS was measured using HU ratio and HU difference on baseline CT in 41 M1 occlusion stroke patients.
- Correlation with final ASPECTS at 24 hours was analyzed after successful recanalization (TICI 3).
Main Results:
- HU ratio between 0.94-0.96 showed high correlation and low errors with final ASPECTS.
- A 2.0 HU difference between hemispheres yielded the highest correlation (r=0.71) and lowest errors.
Conclusions:
- A simple algorithm using HU values can rapidly and accurately assess baseline ASPECTS.
- This algorithm aids in predicting final stroke extent in patients undergoing endovascular revascularization.
