title: Ultrasonographic prediction of patients' outcome in hyperacute ischemic stroke.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We examined whether carotid ultrasonographic (US) findings in hyperacute ischemic stroke are useful to predict patients' outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  We studied 73 consecutive patients with carotid stroke using both computed tomography (CT) and duplex carotid ultrasonography within 6 h of stroke onset. We evaluated early CT findings defined as obscuration of the lentiform nucleus, loss of the insular ribbon and/or cortical effacement, and US findings indicating internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery trunk occlusion. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission and modified Rankin scale on day 30 were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  According to multiple logistic regression analysis, positive US findings (P = 0.0045, odds ratio, 11.1) provided the best predictor of modified Rankin scale score > or =3 compared with a baseline NIHSS> or =16 (P = 0.036, odds ratio, 7.9) and early CT findings (P = 0.18).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  US findings of hyperacute stroke may provide a better predictor of patients' outcome.
authors.affiliation: Cerebrovascular Division, Department of Medicine, National Cardiovascular Center, 5-7-1 Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka, 565-8565, Japan. mkoga@intmed2.med.kyushu-u.acjp
authors.forename: Masatoshi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koga
authors.forename: Kazumi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kimura
authors.forename: Kazuo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Minematsu
authors.forename: Takenori
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yamaguchi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D020521:Stroke / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography