ASPECTS and Functional Outcomes in Left versus Right Hemisphere Strokes: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Stroke presents as the second most prominent factor contributing to global mortality. Immediate brain imaging can be valuable for assessing functional recovery potential. This study investigated the association between Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and functional outcomes in patients with left and right-hemisphere strokes. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in July-Dec2 022, at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi including patients of either gender presenting within 2 days of stroke while excluding posterior circulation strokes, TIA & unwilling patients using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. A total of 152 patients with acute ischemic stroke involving anterior circulation were analyzed and patients were categorized into two groups: the left hemisphere group (n=76) and the right hemisphere group (n=76) accordingly. ASPECTS scores were calculated from brain CT scans, while functional outcomes were measured using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at the three-month mark. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test were applied using SPSS vr25. Results: Patients (n=152) had a mean age of 61.75 ± 13 years, with males comprising 67% of the cohort. ASPECTS scores were notably higher in left hemisphere strokes (median 9, IQR 2) than right hemisphere strokes (median 8, IQR 3) (p=0.036). Higher ASPECTS scores (≥7) correlated with improved outcomes (mRS ≤2) in both hemispheres. There was no statistically significant difference in both groups’ functional outcomes (p=0.182). Conclusion: ASPECTS predicts functional outcomes in acute ischemic strokes equally well regardless of the affected hemisphere.

Keywords

• middle cerebral artery infarction
• ischemic stroke
• recovery of function