Sammanfattning
BACKGROUND : The aim of this study was to evaluate neurological clinical findings and cerebral computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with acute stroke within six hours after stroke onset.
MATERIAL AND METHODS : 42 patients with presumed stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory were clinically assessed with the Scandinavian Stroke Scale Score. CT scans were assessed in a standardized manner by one neuroradiologist.
RESULTS : The clinical deficit did not forecast the CT findings. Patients with several early CT signs of ischaemia, and especially those with hypodensity in less than one third of the middle cerebral artery area had lower clinical scores than patients with fewer signs. Hypodensity in the insular region was the overall most frequent finding.
INTERPRETATION : Clinical findings do not give definite information about the ischaemic damage in the acute phase of cerebral infarction. CT scans may give valuable information primarily when there are positive findings.