Evaluation of computed tomography patterns in adult patients with cerebrovascular accidents in Kano

Abstract

Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) strokes are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Computed Tomography (CT) remains an  essential imaging modality in its management because of its timely and accurate diagnosis which further improves patients’ outcomes.  This study aims to assess the patterns of CT findings, prevalent types of stroke and associated radiological features in CVAsdiagnosed  patients in Kano Metropolis. Following ethical approval, a retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Muhammad Abdullahi  Wase Teaching Hospital. An exhaustive review of medical records and corresponding CT scan reports from December 2022 – February  2023 was conducted. Recruited patients (200) were those with confirmed clinical and CT scan findings while patients with incomplete  medical records or non-diagnostic quality CT scans were excluded. Statistical analysis of the prevalence and types of stroke (ischemic vs.  hemorrhagic), age and gender distribution and differences were explored. Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke were diagnosed in 60% and  30.5% respectively and CT diagnosed cerebral infarct was higher than hemorrhagic CVA. Ischemic CVA was prevalent and males had a  higher prevalence (n = 120) across all the diagnosed CVAs. Patients within the age group of 60-69 years had a higher prevalence (n = 63)  of CVAs while those with the least (n = 7) were those in the age group 30-39 years. No gender difference was established. However, males  were higher at risk to the commonly diagnosed CVAs and ischemic CVA was the frequent occurrence. These findings underscore  the importance of targeted preventive and management strategies for ischemic stroke, particularly in older adults and male populations.