CT perfusion source images improve identification of early ischaemic change in hyperacute stroke

Abstract

CT perfusion scanning produces dynamic contrast-enhanced brain images, but to generate and interpret the colour maps of cerebral perfusion from these source images requires specialist neuroimaging knowledge. We hypothesized that physicians without such training might still utilise the CT perfusion source images (CTPSI) to diagnose early ischaemic change. Fifteen patients had cerebral non-contrast CT (NCCT) and perfusion CT within 6 hours of hemispheric stroke onset. We tested 15 non-stroke clinicians and radiology trainees, plus three experts, in assessing the presence and extent of early ischaemic change on NCCT versus CTPSI. Day 5-7 CT or MRI was used as the gold standard. Agreement with f..