[Stroke from the Perspective of Neurologists (Part 2): Update in the Acute Therapy]

In the last praxis edition (9/2016) the article with the title “Neues in der Akutdiagnostik” reported about the relevant factors for the extension of thrombolytic procedures despite the usual inclusion criteria of thrombolysis. The rapid clinical and imaging identification of patients who benefit from endovascular therapy based on the “target mismatch” is an other key factor in the race against time. In addition the advantages of new mechanical devices allow to remove a thrombus quickly, completely and especially with better outcome. The recently published randomized controlled studies MR-CLEAN, EXTEND-IA, ESCAPE, SWIFT-PRIME and REVASCAT showed significant benefits of intra-arterial thrombolysis in patients with large artery occlusions. The following article discusses the state-of-the-art of the basic therapy and the major pathways of acute therapy.