Variables That Best Differentiate In-Patient Acute Stroke from Stroke-Mimics with Acute Neurological Deficits

Abstract EN

Introduction.

Strokes and stroke-mimics have been extensively studied in the emergency department setting.

Although in-hospital strokes are less studied in comparison to strokes in the emergency department, they are a source of significant direct and indirect costs.

Differentiating in-hospital strokes from stroke-mimics is important.

Thus, our study aimed to identify variables that can differentiate in-hospital strokes from stroke-mimics.

Methods.

We present here a retrospective analysis of 93 patients over a one-year period (2009 to 2010), who were evaluated for a concern of in-hospital strokes.

Results.

About two-thirds (57) of these patients were determined to have a stroke, and the remaining (36) were stroke-mimics.

Patients with in-hospital strokes were more likely to be obese (p=0.03), have been admitted to the cardiology service (p=0.01), have atrial fibrillation (p=0.03), have a weak hand or hemiparesis (p=0.03), and have a prior history of stroke (p=0.05), whereas, when the consults were called for “altered mental status” but no other deficits (p<0.0001), it is likely a stroke-mimic.

Conclusion.

This study demonstrates that in-hospital strokes are a common occurrence, and knowing the variables can aid in their timely diagnosis and treatment.