[Stroke-like events with negative computer-tomographic findings].

Abstract

In addition to cardiac and circulatory check-up and sonography of the arteries ascending to the brain, cranial computed tomography is essential for diagnosing strokes, preceding even arteriography. In 917 patients with suspected stroke who had been referred for ambulant computed tomography, catamnestic analyses were performed. Among 662 cases with positive CT findings there were 41 intracerebral hemorrhages and 6 subdural hematomas. In 234 cases, in which the computed tomography initially revealed no circumscribed cerebral infarction, transient ischemic attacks, insults of the cerebral trunk, insults of the cerebrum at an early stage, minor insults in cases of preceding vascular cerebral damage, prolonged reversible neurological deficits (PRIND) as well as vascular or tumorous spinal processes were present (in descending order). In cases of extracranial stenosis of the arteria carotis within the 8-hour interval, primary computed tomography is indicated to exclude hemorrhages or tumors. The sixth or seventh day following an attack is otherwise most suitable to perform secondary computed tomography, since fogging effect may occur later on.