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22. European Stroke Conference 734 Acute cerebrovascular events (ACE): TIA and minor strokes Rapid MRI protocol (T2and DWI), within 24 hours for patients with suspected TIA or minor stroke, is a practical and efficient service to run in a district general hospital. H.Y.Y. Chun1, B. Bhaskaran2, R. Periss3, S. Smith4, I. Salih5 Torbay Hospital, Torquay Devon, UNITED KINGDOM1, Torbay Hospital, Torquay, Devon, UNITED KINGDOM2, Torbay Hospital, Torquay, Devon, UNITED KINGDOM3, Torbay Hospital, Torquay, Devon, UNITED KINGDOM4, Torbay Hospital, Torquay, Devon, UNITED KINGDOM5 Background Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DWI) is highly sensitive in identifying acute ischemia in the brain and is valuable in selected patients presenting with suspected TIAs. Clini-cal utility of DWI MRI in this setting usually necessitates a discussion between the radiologist and stroke physician. A protocol has been agreed between the stroke and radiology departments to allow direct referral for MR imaging from a stroke physician. The protocol allows access for selective MRI sequences within 24hours of requesting, without the need for discussion with the radiologists. The patient attends the MRI with the request and the radiographer will perform the scan in between the scheduled slots without a need to disrupt MR department’s daily scheduled activity. Methods Data of patients who were referred via the above protocol was collected between 24/2/2010 and 2/3/2011. This data was analysed for demographics, setting of referral (inpatient/clinics) and timing of scan. Results A total of 147 patients, aged between 39-90 years, were referred for the DW MRI between 24/2/2010 and 2/3/2011. 93 patients (63%) were referred from TIA clinics, 49 (33%) from the inpa-tient stroke unit and 5 (3%) from other settings. 125 patients (85%) had the scan done on the same day, 21 (14%) within 2-6 days and 1 patient at 7 days. 23 patients (15%) had positive DWI scans, of which 8 had a diagnosis of TIA and 15 were diagnosed with a minor stroke. Each scan took under 5 minutes per patient. Conclusion Our data has shown that direct referral from stroke physicians for rapid TIA- MRI protocol is a prac-tical and efficient service that can be run successfully in a district general hospital. This service was applicable for both inpatients and outpatients. 732 © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel Scientific Programme


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