Computed tomography: its potential as a predictor of functional recovery following stroke

In a 6-month period, 40 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of cerebral infarction had computed tomography (CT) scanning. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the location and size of the lesion on CT scan and the functional status of the patient on discharge and follow-up. The results of the CT scan were divided into the following major groups: deep (involving the basal ganglia, internal capsule and thalamus), superficial large and superficial small (involving the cerebral hemisphere up to and including the external capsule) and normal. At discharge, patients were divided into 2 major functional groups: group A, minimal assist to independent in transfers and ambulation; and group B, moderate to maximal assist in transfers and maximal assist in ambulation. Ten of 11 patients with small superficial lesions were in group A, and 10 of 13 patients with deep lesions were in group B. Of 10 patients with large superficial lesions, 5 were in group A and 5 in group B. All 6 patients with normal CT scans results were in group A. Thus, results of CT scanning appear to be associated with degree of functional recovery.