About
- The Alberta Stroke program Early CT score (ASPECT) scoring system is used to assess MCA infarction at two different axial slices and subtracts 1 from total of 10 for each area affected.
Imaging
Aspects Cross section
Scoring System
Lentiform nucleus level | +10 |
M1 | - 1 |
M2 | - 1 |
M3 | - 1 |
Lentiform | - 1 |
Caudate nucleus | - 1 |
Internal capsule | - 1 |
Insular cortex | - 1 |
Centrum Semi Ovale | |
M4 | - 1 |
M5 | - 1 |
M6 | - 1 |
Final total | A score of 0 suggests extensive MCA infarction and correlates inversely with NIHSS. |
Uses
- The ASPECTS score has some clinical correlation. A normal brain has
a score of 10 and as more areas are affected the score falls. A sharp
increase in dependence and death occurs with an ASPECTS of 7 or less. A
a common misunderstanding of ASPECTS scoring is to assess only two
standardised cuts, i.e. one ganglionic cut and one supraganglionic cut.
- Be sure to include the assessment of all axial cuts of the brain NCCT
scan. The ASPECT score is not needed prior to thrombolysis but it does
give an element of quantitative rigour to assessing the CT analysis and
may be mentioned in any discussion with a stoke physician so useful to
have heard of it.