Misdiagnosis of acute cerebrovascular disease: Experience from a hospital-based stroke registry in Taiwan (SCAN-V)
Journal
Acta Neurologica Taiwanica
Journal Volume
7
Journal Issue
3
Pages
185-192
Date Issued
1998
Author(s)
Abstract
Hyperacute thrombolytic therapy has been proven valuable to preserve the integrity of brain tissue after acute ischemic stroke. This therapy depends on public awareness of the stroke symptoms, early diagnosis of acute stroke, and if the sufficient hospital facilities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of the misdiagnosis of acute cerebrovascular disease (CVD). As part of 'Stroke and Cerebral Atherosclerosis Study of National Taiwan University Hospital (SCAN) Project', this study was conducted on all patients admitted to the emergency department and inpatient wards of National Taiwan University Hospital between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 1996. There were 2,542 patients [1,510 men, 1,032 women, mean age: 62.7 years (SD:15.5)] in the study. In all, 2,226 patients had a definite acute CVD and 316 patients were noted to have misdiagnosis of acute CVD. Of these 316 patients (12.4%, 191 men and 125 women, mean age: 60.2 years), 57 (2.2%) had possible neurovascular disorders, 50 (2%) had non-neurological disorders and 209 (8.2%) had other neurological disorders. Initial misdiagnosis of acute CVD was found to be frequent, occurring in 12.4% of all patients, and usually comprised many other neurological disorders. Therefore, neurologists should be directly involved in the diagnosis and management of acute stroke patients.
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; aged; article; cerebrovascular disease; diagnostic error; early diagnosis; emergency ward; female; fibrinolytic therapy; human; major clinical study; male; patient care; register; statistics; Taiwan
Type
journal article