Clinical characteristics and rehabilitation outcomes of patients with posterior cerebral artery stroke

Objectives: To describe the demographics, clinical profile, and functional outcomes in posterior cerebral artery (PCA) stroke and to identify factors associated with functional change during rehabilitation and discharge disposition. Design: Retrospective study of patients with PCA stroke admitted to a rehabilitation hospital over an 8-year period. Setting: Free-standing urban rehabilitation hospital in the United States. Participants: Eighty-nine consecutive patients with PCA stroke (48 men, 41 women; mean age, 71.5y) met inclusion criteria. Intervention: Inpatient multidisciplinary comprehensive rehabilitation program. Main Outcome Measures: Demographic, clinical, and discharge disposition information were collected. Functional status was measured using the FIM instrument, recorded at admission and discharge. The main outcome measures were the discharge total FIM score, the change in total FIM score (Delta FIM), and the discharge disposition. Multiple and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the main outcome measures. Results: The most common impairments were motor paresis (65%), followed by visual field defects (54%) and confusion or agitation (43%). The mean discharge total FIM score +/- standard deviation was 88.3+/-28.2. The mean Delta FIM was 23.3+/-16.4. Fifty-five (62%) patients were discharged home. On multiple regression analysis, higher admission total FIM score, longer length of stay (LOS), and a rehabilitation stay free of interruptions were associated with higher discharge total FIM score and greater Delta FIM. Absence of diabetes mellitus and younger age were also associated with higher discharge total FIM scores, and male sex had greater Delta FIM. On logistic regression analysis, younger patients, higher discharge FIM scores, presence of a caregiver, and the nonnecessity for 24-hour support were associated with a discharge to home. Conclusions: Motor, visual, and cognitive impairments are common in PCA stroke, and good functional gains are achievable after comprehensive rehabilitation. Higher admission FIM scores, longer LOS, and younger and male patients were associated with better functional outcomes. Most patients were discharged home, particularly those with caregivers and those for whom 24-hour support was not required. Further research should aim at the development of functional outcome measures of greater breadth and sensitivity to visual and cognitive deficits and should compare PCA stroke outcomes with outcomes of strokes in other vascular territories.