Evaluation of computed tomography perfusion and angiogram use in stroke evaluation for thrombectomy at a community emergency department setting

Evaluate concordance of provider practices with clinical guidelines for thrombectomy screening in an emergency department (ED) via computed tomography perfusion and angiogram (CT-P/A).

A retrospective observational study was conducted for patients 18 years or older who received a CT-P/A of the head and neck in a US Midwestern ED between September 2019 through June 2021. Healthcare system records reviewed for patient information, CT-P/A findings, and treatment decisions.

During study period, 68,403 patients presented to the ED with 718 (1.1%) receiving a CT-P/A. Of these patients, 105 (14.6%) were transferred to a regional facility for potential thrombectomy, with 74 (70.5%) receiving procedure, 28 (26.7%) not receiving procedure, and 3 (2.9%) with insufficient follow-up information. Of patients receiving CT-P/A, 23 met DAWN criteria for thrombectomy, with 21 (91.3%) transferred for potential thrombectomy and 20 (95.2%) receiving the procedure; in comparison, 81 patients (11.7%) did not meet all DAWN criteria and were transferred for potential thrombectomy, with 52 (64.2%) receiving procedure. Lastly, 55 patients met DEFUSE-3 criteria for thrombectomy with 49 (89.1%) being transferred for potential thrombectomy and 45 (91.8%) receiving procedure. In comparison, 53 patients who did not meet all DEFUSE-3 criteria were transferred for potential thrombectomy, with 27 (50.9%) receiving procedure.

This study helps to understand CT-P/A usage, especially in patients that fall outside of treatment criteria in the current thrombectomy literature. Results may have value to institutions interested in using CT-P/A as a diagnostic tool as well as institutions already incorporating it in stroke assessments.