Breakthrough in Stroke Diagnosis!

A groundbreaking clinical trial spearheaded by the London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI) and Western University's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is set to transform how doctors identify hidden blood clots in stroke patients.

A Radical New Imaging Technique

Published in the prestigious journal The Lancet Neurology, this landmark study is the first to reveal that expanding imaging to include the heart shortly after a patient arrives at the hospital can dramatically enhance the detection of the underlying causes of strokes. This innovative diagnostic method could lead to personalized and effective treatment strategies that prevent future strokes.

Understanding the Silent Threat of Strokes

Strokes that arise from blood clots or other hindrances to blood flow in the brain constitute around 85% of all strokes. The LHSCRI and Schulich Medicine & Dentistry researchers aimed to uncover strokes with unknown origins using advanced computed tomography (CT) scans that capture images of the heart and aorta, the primary blood vessel.

Why Location Matters in Treatment

Dr. Luciano Sposato, a leading scientist at LHSCRI and head of the Southwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Centre at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), emphasizes the urgency of pinpointing the source of a clot: "Knowing the origin of the clot is crucial as it dictates the safest and most effective treatment plan. If the clot is from the heart, we typically recommend blood thinners to ward off future strokes."

Impressive Results from 465 Patient Study

The clinical trial examined 465 patients admitted to LHSC's University Hospital for acute strokes or transient ischemic attacks. The findings were remarkable: the extended CT scan revealed heart blood clots at a staggering rate of 600% more than traditional imaging methods. Most importantly, this innovative approach did not delay the CT imaging process in these critical situations, finding one clot for every 14 patients scanned.

Preventing Misdiagnosis

Dr. Rodrigo Bagur, a researcher at LHSCRI and Cardiologist at LHSC, underscored the importance of this new imaging approach. He noted, "Without the extended CT scan, many hidden blood clots could have gone undetected, leading to strokes unfairly classified with unknown causes." This pivotal study not only enhances stroke diagnosis but also opens doors for future research and treatment innovations.

A New Hope for Stroke Victims

As medical science continues to advance, this study serves as a beacon of hope for stroke patients and their families. The ability to swiftly and accurately identify blood clots will undoubtedly elevate patient care and improve outcomes drastically.