The Stroke and Cerebral Atherosclerosis Study of National Taiwan University Hospital (SCAN): Background and methodology
Journal
Acta Neurologica Taiwanica
Journal Volume
6
Journal Issue
4
Pages
300
Date Issued
1997
Author(s)
Abstract
Extensive epidemiological studies of cerebrovascular diseases can provide important background information to develop effective strategies for treatment and prevention of stroke. In Taiwan, detailed information concerning stroke classification, subtypes of ischemic stroke, in-hospital stroke, case-fatality rate, characteristics and pattern of cerebral atherosclerosis, and risk factors for stroke and atherosclerosis are still poorly understood. The 'Stroke and Cerebral Atherosclerosis Study of National Taiwan University Hospital' (SCAN) project has therefore been designed as a longitudinal hospital-based study to investigate some of these issues. We apply case series and stroke registry methods to study the various epidemiological and pathophysiological characteristics of different types of stroke. Data bank of duplex sonographic study of physical check-up subjects serves as a source of observation in the pattern and severity of atherosclerosis in carotid arteries. Base-line information concerning study design, characteristics of studied subjects, definitions of diagnosis and parameters of different investigations are presented. The interrater reliability of ischemic stroke classification is good among 3 major raters (Kappa [K]= 0.72 and 0.73). The SCAN project is thought to disclose many important aspects of epidemiological features of cerebrovascular diseases in Taiwan.
SDGs
Other Subjects
article; brain atherosclerosis; carotid artery; cerebrovascular disease; echography; female; human; major clinical study; male; risk factor; stroke; taiwan
Type
journal article