Interobserver reliability of a clinical classification of acute cerebral infarction.

The Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project (OCSP) clinical classification of subtypes of cerebral infarction (total and partial anterior circulation infarction, lacunar infarction, and posterior circulation infarction) can be used to predict early mortality, functional outcome, and whether the infarct was likely due to large- or small-vessel occlusion. The OCSP classification was originally developed and tested by neurologists as part of a community-based study of first-ever stroke, in which some cases were seen after the acute phase. We examined the interobserver reliability of the classification when used in everyday clinical practice in patients seen during the acute phase of stroke shortly after admission to the hospital.