title: [In-hospital management of acute ischemic stroke. A retrospective analysis at the Viterbo hospital (Italy), 2008 to 2012].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cerebrovascular diseases account for 10-12% of all deaths in Italy, and are the leading cause of disability and the second major cause of dementia. Cerebrovascular events may affect cerebral vascular function resulting in symptoms of variable duration and severity.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective analysis included 1892 patients admitted with a definite or probable diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease who experienced an acute vascular injury. Data were collected from the medical records at the Belcolle Hospital of Viterbo (Italy) from January 2008 to November 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A definite diagnosis was not made on admission in 15.4% of patients, and blood pressure measurement was not performed in 6.9% of patients. Almost all patients underwent a brain CT scan and interdisciplinary assessment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings based on the experience of the Belcolle Hospital show several limitations in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with acute cerebrovascular events. These are mainly related to diagnostic and therapeutic attitudes of the emergency department personnel (physicians and nurses), funding for professional training, and implementation of stroke units.
authors.forename: Adriano
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Addobbati
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brama
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cagliano
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: De Siena
authors.forename: Antonietta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fronteddu
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Salvatori
mesh_terms: D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006760:Hospitalization; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors