A machine powered by artificial intelligence will substantially reduce the time needed to process CT scan and MRI reports of stroke patients, said doctors.
The system was launched at a city hospital recently to mark World Stroke Day.
Computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is imperative to treat stroke patients. A CT scan uses X-rays, whereas an MRI scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves to capture images.
“CT scan and MRI images need to be interpreted to determine the type of stroke a patient has suffered. The images are processed by a radiologist. This new system will process all the imaging data with the help of a software,” said Jayanta Roy, senior neurologist and director of stroke medicine at the Institute of Neurosciences-Kolkata (INK), where the system was launched.
“The processing of raw images usually takes 15 minutes. The machine will do it in a couple of minutes.”
A stroke centre and stroke prevention clinic were also launched at the hospital.
“Everything related to stroke treatment — neurosurgical back-up, CT scan and MRI facility, lab service, neuro-rehabilitation — will be available under one roof. Experienced neurologists, radiologists and nurses will be present 24X7,” said an official of the hospital.
The clinic will deal with primary and secondary prevention, he said.
“In India, 1.8 million people suffer from stroke every year. Even young people are vulnerable. In the past six months, I have had six stroke patients under 25 years,” said Roy.
Two-minute test
A “two-minute stroke assessment test” was launched at all three units of AMRI Hospitals on Friday. The test, which can be taken at a kiosk, has a questionnaire to understand the risk factor of stroke in a person.
“The test gives an understanding of what lifestyle changes one should make to bring down the risk of a stroke,” said Apratim Chatterjee, consultant, stroke and interventional neurologist, AMRI Hospitals.