Performance of CT Angiography on a Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit: Implications for Triage

• DOI: 10.1111/jon.12346
• Publication Date: 2016-03-31T00:26:32Z
• Authors: Seby John; Sarah Stock; Thomas Masaryk; Andrew Bauer; Russell Cerejo; Ken Uchino; Stacey Winners; Peter Rasmussen; Muhammad S. Hussain
• Keywords: Triage; Stroke; Computed Tomography Angiography; Hemiparesis; Acute stroke

There is a strong inverse relationship between outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke from emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO), and time to reperfusion intra-arterial therapy. Delay transferring thrombectomy-capable centers currently major limitation. The mobile unit (MSU) concept onboard portable computed tomography (CT) scanner enables rapid performance of CT angiography (CTA) the intracranial vessels detect ELVO field, allows for triage interventional-capable centers.Our institution implemented treatment (MSTU) program that started on July 2014, CTA capability was added April 2015. eligibility criteria, equipment, method imaging are described. We report first case being performed field United States aid patients.MSTU dispatched reported new onset right hemiparesis patient. Teleneurological assessment detected findings consistent severe left middle cerebral artery (MCA) syndrome. Noncontrast head revealed lenticulostriate hypoattenuation. A subsequently MSTU showed an MCA cutoff. Based these findings, patient immediately transferred main hospital neurointerventional capability, where he underwent successful recanalization improvement symptoms.CTA possible MSTU, enabling detection cases directly centers, which significantly reduces endovascular treatment.