The robust UCATR algorithm enhances the specificity and sensitivity to detect the infarct of acute ischaemic stroke within 6 hours of onset via non-contrast computed tomography images

Abstract

Problem background: Early detection of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) may provide patients with benefits against harmful health and financial impacts. The use of non-contrast computed tomography images for early detect of the infarct remains controversial.

Materials & methods: Here, we used the UCATR algorithm to extract the pixel values of the infarct and the corresponding contralateral healthy area as the control surface in each NCCT slice for the whole brain. Magnetic resonance imaging results were used to verify both areas. We found significant pathological changes in the infarct compared with the corresponding contralateral healthy area in each NCCT slice.

Attained results: Our approach validated that NCCT can be used to detect the lesion area in the early stage of AIS.

Conclusions: With obvious advantages such as saving time and the ability to quantify the infarct volume, this approach could help more patients survive the fatal and irreversible pathological process of AIS and improve their quality of life after AIS treatment.

Keywords: Acute ischaemic stroke; Non-contrast CT; UCATR algorithm.