The Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine  2011;26(4):217-220

doi:10.4266/kjccm.2011.26.4.217

The S100B Protein Could Be Used as Adjuvant Diagnostic Tool in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Min Hee JUNG 1 ; Dong Hoon LEE ; Chan Woong KIM

Affiliations

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Keywords

early diagnosis; stroke; S100B protein

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the emergency department, the diagnosis of ischemic stroke is difficult because the diagnostic modalities are limited to non-contrast brain CT and neurologic examination. Serum S100B protein, a bio-marker for ischemic stroke, is needed as an additional diagnostic aid in acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 50 patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke between August 2007 and December 2008 by brain MRI after brain CT and serum S100B measurement in the emergency department. The serum levels of S100B protein were analyzed and the diagnostic sensitivity of non-contrast brain CT combined with abnormal elevation of S100B protein was compared with that of non-contrast brain CT alone. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity of non-contrast brain CT in the diagnosis of ischemia was 54%. S100B protein in early ischemia had a sensitivity of 58%. However, combining non-contrast brain CT and S100B increased the sensitivity to 74%. CONCLUSIONS: A biomarker-based diagnostic test would not replace the necessity for CT or other early imaging studies, and before contemplating any reperfusion strategy, neuro-imaging must be performed to rule out intracranial hemorrhage. However, S100B protein, a serum bio-marker, is able to help emergency physicians evaluate patients with suspected ischemic stroke and decide on treatment.