Predictors for recanalization after intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke

The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical aspects of recanalization and to assess variables associated with early recanalization.

In all, 27 consecutive patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis were examined with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and transcranial Doppler ultrasound at presentation and at 2 and 24 hours after treatment.

Recanalization less than 24 hours after treatment was found in 70% of patients. Patients who recanalized had lower NIHSS score on presentation (P = .01) and significant improvement in NIHSS score at 0 to 2 hours (P = .042) and 0 to 24 hours (P = .002) compared with those who did not recanalize. Atrial fibrillation (P = .04), higher serum glucose values on presentation (P = .05), and more traditional risk factors (P = .05) were associated with no recanalization.

Recanalization is associated with clinical improvement. High NIHSS score, atrial fibrillation, high serum glucose, and higher number of risk factors indicate a reduced probability for recanalization.