Stroke pattern in Enugu. A study of CT images in South East Nigeria. A preliminary report

Background: Strokes account for a large number of medical admissions and neurological admissions in Nigeria. The frequency of the different types of stroke is difficult to ascertain because clinical diagnosis is not always correct. Non-contrast cranial computed tomography (CT) scan reliably distinguishes between ischemic stroke (IS) and hemorrhagic strokes (HS) and will provide a reliable characterization of stroke types in the developing countries. Aims: To examine stroke types based on CT Imaging studies and the differences in stroke types based on age. Methodology: A retrospective study of CT register of Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery was done covering a period of four and half years. Results: One hundred and six cases which met the criteria were reviewed. Seventy two (67.9%) were males and 34 (32.1%) were females, with a male female ratio of 2.1:1. The proportion of ischemic stroke (IS), Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and Subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH) was 66.7%, 22.6%, 16.1% respectively. There was a relative preponderance of IS above the 8th decade and hemorrhagic stroke (ICH and SAH) in the 5th decade. Conclusion: This study confirms the high proportion of IS and the relative high proportion of ICH and SAH among Nigerian Stroke patients.