To assess the impact of scan protocols on CT perfusion (CTP) imaging, specifically focusing on how variations in these protocols can affect clinical outcomes, and to explore the potential for standardizing vendor software to harmonize CTP images across stroke centers.
Key Findings:
Significant variation in CTP imaging protocols exists across different stroke centers, which may lead to inconsistencies in patient assessment.
Different vendor software produced varying perfusion parameters and methods for exporting perfusion maps, highlighting the need for standardization.
The estimation of ischemic stroke regions differed based on the software used and the thresholds applied, potentially impacting treatment decisions.
Interpretation:
The findings highlight the need for standardized protocols in CTP imaging to ensure consistency and reliability in stroke assessment across different centers.
Limitations:
The study was limited to the analysis of phantom data and may not fully represent real patient scenarios, which could affect the applicability of the findings.
Variations in vendor software and imaging protocols could affect the generalizability of the results, necessitating further research in clinical settings.
Conclusion:
Standardizing CTP imaging protocols and vendor software could enhance the reliability of ischemic stroke assessments, ultimately improving clinical outcomes.
by Daan Peerlings, Edwin Bennink, Jan W. Dankbaar, Birgitta K. Velthuis, Bart J. Emmer, Jan W. Hoving, Charles B. L. M. Majoie, Henk A. Marquering, Henk van Voorst, Hugo W. A. M. de Jong
