Pattern of computerized tomography findings of the brain in cerebrovascular accidents

Semi-industrialized countries  like Nepal have  high  mortality and disability rates due to cerebrovascular accident, representing  for more than 80% of all stroke deaths globally. Stroke is the most common neurological disorder requiring prolonged hospital stay. Aims of our study was to evaluate the role of computerized tomography in evaluation of cerebrovascular accident by differentiating ischemia from hemorrhage and proper identification of negative cases. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional  study of total 155  patients, clinically diagnosed as stroke,  referred to our department of radiology  for computerised tomography evaluation during six month period, were enrolled  into study. The clinical information, proper history, computerised tomography  findings  were properly documented and analysed in  SPSS version 20 software. Results: Out of total 155 patients, 85 cases (55 %)  were males and  70 cases (45 %) were  females with male: female  ratio of 1.2:1. The mean age of the patients was 63±15 years. There was significant  correlation between clinical with neuroradiological findings as evidenced  by p value of 0.000.  Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of clinical findings when correlated  to CT in diagnosing ischemic infarction were 84.3%, 67.3%, 82.6%, 70%. Similarly, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value in diagnosing hemorrhagic infarction were 67.3%, 84.3%, 70%, 82.6% respectively. Conclusions: Computerised tomography is the first line reliable imaging modality for diagnosis, management of cerebrovascular accident and exclusion of stroke mimicker lesions. Education regarding prevention and control of  modifiable risk factors can minimize the incidence of  stroke.