Innovative Clinical Trial Enhances Detection of Hidden Blood Clots in Stroke Patients

A groundbreaking clinical trial conducted by the London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI) in collaboration with Western University's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry has demonstrated a significant advancement in identifying concealed blood clots responsible for strokes. Published in The Lancet Neurology, this study highlights that extending computed tomography (CT) imaging to include the heart shortly after a patient's hospital arrival markedly improves the detection of cardiac-origin blood clots, which are a leading cause of ischemic strokes.

Strokes caused by blood clots, or other blockages obstructing blood flow in the brain, account for approximately 85% of all stroke cases. Traditionally, standard imaging focuses on the brain, often leaving the source of the clot undetermined. The new approach involves a modified CT scan that includes detailed images of the heart and aorta, allowing clinicians to identify the origin of clots with much higher accuracy.

Dr. Luciano Sposato, a senior scientist at LHSCRI and a professor of neurology, emphasizes the importance of accurately locating the clot source: "Knowing whether the clot originated in the heart guides us toward the most effective treatment, such as blood thinners to prevent future strokes." The trial involved 465 patients admitted with acute stroke or transient ischemic attack at LHSC's University Hospital. The findings revealed that the extended CT scan increased the detection rate of cardiac blood clots by 600%, without delaying emergency imaging procedures. Interestingly, the technique identified one clot for every 14 patients scanned, demonstrating its efficiency.

Furthermore, Dr. Rodrigo Bagur, a researcher at LHSCRI and a cardiologist, highlighted the clinical impact: "Without extending the CT, many of these blood clots would remain undetected, leading to strokes with unknown causes. This new imaging method allows for better-targeted treatments, potentially reducing recurrence and improving patient outcomes."

This innovative diagnostic strategy represents a significant step toward personalized stroke management, enabling healthcare providers to accurately identify clot sources and tailor treatments accordingly. Overall, this research underscores the importance of advanced imaging in improving stroke diagnostics and patient care.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-clinical-trial-significantly-hidden-blood.html