PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Schneider, L B
AU  - Libman, R B
AU  - Kanner, R
TI  - Utility of repeat brain imaging in stroke.
DP  - 1996 Aug 01
TA  - American Journal of Neuroradiology
PG  - 1259--1263
VI  - 17
IP  - 7
4099  - http://www.ajnr.org/content/17/7/1259.short
4100  - http://www.ajnr.org/content/17/7/1259.full
SO  - Am. J. Neuroradiol.1996 Aug 01; 17
AB  - PURPOSE To determine the utility of repeat brain imaging in patients with stroke.METHODS We reviewed the medical records of 98 consecutive patients in whom stroke was diagnosed between January 1 and December 31, 1991. We noted the number of brain scans performed, the indications cited, and whether repeat imaging changed the therapeutic decisions or final diagnosis.RESULTS Ninety-eight patients underwent 221 procedures, with 123 repeat imaging studies (98 CT scans and 25 MR images). Sixteen patients had only one scan; 51 had two, and 31 had three or more. Indications for repeat imaging were explicitly documented in 62 (50%) of 123 repeated scans and inferred in another 41 (33%). In 20 (16%), no definite indication could be determined. Indications included lack of acute abnormal imaging findings on the initial scan (n = 48, 39%); compliance with stroke research protocol (n = 11, 9%). In none of the 82 patients did the repeated scan change the diagnosis; therapy was changed in only two (2%) of 82 patients (aspirin was discontinued).CONCLUSIONS Repeat imaging in patients rarely results in changes in the initial diagnosis or the therapeutic plan; indications for repeat imaging are frequently not clearly stated; in certain groups of patients with stroke, repeat imaging may not be useful.