Brain CT Patterns of Stroke Subtypes at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an increasing burden in low and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. Neuroimaging plays a crucial role in the accurate diagnosis and classification of stroke, guiding clinical decision-making and treatment strategies. However, data on the specific brain CT patterns and stroke subtypes remain limited in Ethiopia. Objective: This study aims to determine the computed tomography (CT) patterns of stroke among patients undergoing neuroimaging at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 113 stroke patients who underwent brain CT at SPHMMC. Data was collected from the Radiology Information System (RIS) and patient records. Results: Among the 113 stroke patients, 59 (52.2%) had ischemic strokes, while 54 (47.8%) had hemorrhagic strokes. The basal ganglia were the most common site for hemorrhagic stroke (64.2%), whereas ischemic infarcts were predominantly observed in the cerebral cortex (54.2%). Conclusion: Ischemic stroke was found to be the predominant stroke type, with hemorrhagic strokes also occurring at a high rate. Further research incorporating clinical patterns and long-term outcomes is recommended to enhance stroke prevention and treatment strategies.