Can stroke physicians and neuroradiologists identify signs of early cerebral infarction on CT

摘要: Doctors managing acute stroke are expected to recognise signs of early infarction on CT before choosing thrombolytic treatment, according recent trials and guidelines. The ability 13 physicians two neuroradiologists infarct decide whether patients should be randomised in a hypothetical treatment trial was tested. Only 65% the scans from 14 were correctly identified as normal or abnormal (95% CI 60-69%). Neither observer experience nor knowledge symptoms significantly improved recognition abnormality, although did improve observers' reproduce their results. Parenchymal hypodensity least well recognised sign. 45% 40%-50%) for trial. Early is not even by experienced doctors. Part problem may understanding definitions extent infarction. These difficulties considered design introduction any new treatments.