Analysis of Costs and Diagnostic Experience of Stroke Mimics at a Latin American University Hospital

IntroductionThe incidence of stroke mimic symptoms is around 30%. These symptoms impact healthcare costs, often leading mimic stroke patients to undergo unnecessary clinical tests, imaging, and treatments. ObjectivesThe main goal of this study is to describe the types of stroke mimic symptoms and estimate healthcare costs in patients with stroke mimics. Secondary objectives include comparing costs based on Telestroke Mimics Stroke and FABS scores and determining the frequency of thrombolysis. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational study. We reviewed medical records of all patients admitted to Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota with a final diagnosis of ischemic stroke mimic. We characterized the study population and analyzed the costs of interventions in these patients. ResultsA total of 111 patients were included. The average age at mimic presentation was 65 {+/-} 19.4 years, with transient ischemic attack (TIA) being the most common cause of mimics in both sexes, followed by migraine. Tissue plasminogen activator was administered in 0.9% of patients. The direct costs of activating the stroke code averaged US$1,098.72, with a cost of laboratory and imaging at US$773.95. The average cost of total hospitalization was US$2,220.16 per patient. ConclusionsThe most frequent cause of stroke mimic was TIA, and thrombolysis was performed in 0.9% of cases. The direct costs incurred by activating the stroke code, diagnostic tests, treatment with intravenous thrombolysis, and hospitalization of patients with stroke mimic are lower compared to other studies.