Reliability and Utility of the Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score in Hyperacute Stroke

Abstract

Goal The Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) on non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) is dependent on the visibility of early ischemic change. The goal of our study was to evaluate whether time from ischemic stroke onset to initial NCCT influences the inter-rater variability and prognostic accuracy of ASPECTS for a 3-month functional outcome. Materials and Methods Ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) from 2007 to 2014 at the Royal Melbourne Hospital were included. ASPECTS were blindly assessed by 2 independent raters with inter-rater agreement determined by weighted kappa. Onset time to computed tomography time..