What are the cost/value benefits of MRI scans compared to CT scans for acute ischaemic stroke patients?
The ACC/AHA statement on cost/value methodology in clinical practice guidelines and performance measures (Anderson et al. 85) states that MRI scans are cost-effective and improve quality of life for acute ischemic stroke patients compared to CT scans (Wardlaw et al. 85). A prospective comparison study found that MRI and CT scans had similar accuracy in detecting acute intracerebral hemorrhage (Kidwell et al. 86), while another found that MRI was superior to CT in detecting acute ischemic stroke (Chalela et al. 82). Thus, MRI scans are recommended over CT scans for acute ischemic stroke patients due to their improved accuracy and cost/value benefits. 