Algorithm lowers number of CTs for some strokes

An imaging algorithm reduced the number of CT angiography and CT perfusion studies performed on patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages, a form of stroke. The study was performed at New York Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Medical Center researchers and included 60 patients.

The algorithm identifies the most appropriate points at which to detect vasospasm with CT angiography and CT perfusion imaging. A flow chart establishes imaging pathways and time frames.

With the new algorithm, the mean number of CT examinations per patient dropped from 7.8 to 5.8, a decrease of 25.6%, according to the researchers. The number of CT perfusion exams per patient decreased 32.1% and overall cumulative radiation exposure decreased by 12.1%.

The results were published in the American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR 2010;195(1):176-180).