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  • Title: [Validation of Allen's scale for the diagnosis of stroke].
    Author: Valiente E, Martín R, Gracia F, Muñiz R, Asensio M, Matías-Guiu J.
    Journal: Rev Neurol; 1996 Jun; 24(130):638-42. PubMed ID: 8653606.
    Abstract:
    INTRODUCTION: The importance of cerebrovascular pathology demands the most exact and complete diagnosis possible, by general physical and neurological examination and complementary techniques including computerized tomography (CT). Without CT, diagnosis may be delayed, for which reason such authors as Allen have put forward scales which by means of diagnostic scoring distinguish between stroke types. AIM: To validate the Allen scale as opposed to CT scan in a series of patients suffering from haemorrhagic and ischaemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Sixty-two consecutive hospitalized patients suffering from stroke were studied, who all underwent CT scan within fifteen days of admission. RESULTS: The group consisted of 62 patients, 33 males (53%) and 29 females (47%) having an average of 70.2 +/- 11.2 years. The most frequent type of stroke was ischaemic (63%) as opposed to haemorrhagic (37%). Globally for all strokes we obtained the following results: Sensitivity (S) = 61%, Specificity (Sp) = 40%, positive predictive value ( + PV) = 84% and negative predictive value (-PV) = 17%. For ischaemic stroke the results were as follows: S = 76%, Sp = 66%; +PV = 67% and -PV = 76%. Finally for haemorrhagic stroke the results were S = 43%; Sp = 100%; +PV = 100% and -PV = 75%. CONCLUSIONS: The Allen scale has not proved to be a valid instrument in stroke diagnosis due to its low sensitivity and specificity especially in cases of haemorrhagic stroke.
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