Global Cortical Atrophy (Pasquier GCA)
Pasquier GCA (1996, simplified single grade)A single global visual grade (0–3) of cortical atrophy on CT or MRI, integrating sulcal widening, gyral volume loss and ventricular enlargement: 0 none, 1 mild, 2 moderate, 3 severe ("knife blade").
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Information
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- Please provide: global cortical atrophy grade (0–3).
How this tool works
The global cortical atrophy scale (Pasquier 1996, introduced within a validated set of visual rating methods) grades overall cortical atrophy: 0 no atrophy; 1 mild, with opening of the sulci; 2 moderate, with gyral volume loss and moderate ventricular enlargement; 3 severe, with pronounced "knife blade" gyral atrophy and marked ventricular enlargement. This module implements the simplified single-grade version used in routine reporting; the original description rated 13 regions individually (sum 0–39). Atrophy grading is nonspecific and must be interpreted against age and clinical context, typically alongside medial temporal (MTA) and white matter (Fazekas) ratings.
References
- Pasquier F, et al. Eur Neurol 1996;36:334–9
- Visual atrophy rating scales in cognitive impairment review (PMC)
- Radiopaedia: global cortical atrophy scale
Implemented from the cited published sources. Educational use only; confirm against current guidelines before clinical use.
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