Is a Routine Head CT after IV-tPA Therapy Medically Necessary? (P03.170)

CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, the risk of symptomatic ICH after IV-tPA is low. GRASPS scores may be helpful in identifying patients at higher risk for ICH but it is not sufficiently sensitive to guide a selective use for post-therapy surveillance imaging. A protocol requiring repeat neuroimaging at 24 hr after IV-tPA is not supported by clinical practice data. Neuroimaging after IV-tPA should focus on vascular imaging needed for determining the mechanism and treatment plan and to evaluate the cause of clinical deterioration after therapy.Disclosure: Dr. Sehgal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mehndiratta has nothing to disclose. Dr. Talahma has nothing to disclose. Dr. Eisele has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sila has received personal compensation for activities with Axio Research and Hoffmann LaRoche as a consultant and from OrthoMcNeilJanssen as a scientific advisory board member. Dr. Sila has received research support from AGA Medical.

Source: Neurology - February 14, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Sehgal, S., Mehndiratta, P., Talahma, M., Eisele, S., Sila, C. Tags: P03 Cerebrovascular Disease III Source Type: research