Clinical Report: Stroke Audit Finds Long CT-to-CTA Times
Overview
A regional audit revealed that patients with large-vessel occlusion stroke experienced prolonged intervals between computed tomography (CT) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) at primary stroke centers. The mean CT-to-CTA interval was 62 minutes, with significant variability across hospitals.
Background
Timely imaging is critical for the management of large-vessel occlusion strokes. Delays in imaging can hinder patient outcomes. Understanding the factors contributing to these delays is essential.
Data Highlights
| Measure | Interval (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Mean CT-to-CTA at referring centers | 62 |
| Median CT-to-CTA at referring centers | 55 |
| Mean CT-to-CTA at comprehensive stroke center | 1 |
| Median CT-to-CTA at comprehensive stroke center | 1 |
| Percentage receiving CTA within 10 minutes | 55% |
| Percentage with intervals longer than 10 minutes | 45% |
Key Findings
- The mean CT-to-CTA interval at referring centers was 62 minutes.
- Only 55% of patients received CTA within 10 minutes of initial CT.
- 80% of patients with longer intervals waited at least 30 minutes for CTA.
- Three primary stroke centers had a median CT-to-CTA interval of 5 minutes or less.
- Barriers to same-session vascular imaging included technical, organizational, and educational factors.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare providers should be aware of the significant delays in imaging times for stroke patients.
Conclusion
The audit highlights the need for improved workflows to reduce CT-to-CTA intervals in stroke management.
Related Resources & Content
- 2026 Acute Ischemic Stroke Guidelines, American Heart Association, 2026 -- Guidelines for early management of acute ischemic stroke
- Thrombectomy 6 to 24 Hours after Stroke with a Mismatch between Deficit and Infarct, New England Journal of Medicine, 2017 -- Study on thrombectomy outcomes
- European Radiology — Evaluation of 24/7 Clinical Utilization of Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography with Customized Scanning Protocols: A Five-Year Observational Analysis of Repeat Scan Incidence and Underlying Factors
- Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine — Optimizing left atrial appendage imaging: the diagnostic value of left lateral decubitus cardiac CT angiography
- European Radiology — Cerebral Perfusion Analysis in a Diverse Ethnic Cohort: Findings from pCASL MRI Techniques
- European Radiology — CT Angiography with a Focused Approach for Targeted Imaging of Arteries Involved in Stroke: An Evaluation of Technical Viability
- 2026 Acute Ischemic Stroke Guidelines
- Thrombectomy 6 to 24 Hours after Stroke with a Mismatch between Deficit and Infarct | New England Journal of Medicine
- Door-in-Door-out Times for Interhospital Transfer of Patients With Stroke | Cerebrovascular Disease | JAMA | JAMA Network
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