Imaging-based predictors for hyperbaric oxygen therapy outcome in post-stroke patients. Report 1

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Medical Imaging
• Hyperbaric Medicine

Background:

• Ischemic stroke leads to brain tissue damage and neurological deficits.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a potential treatment for post-stroke recovery.
• Identifying suitable candidates for HBOT is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if SPECT/CT-detected brain tissue volumes correlate with HBOT outcomes in ischemic stroke patients.
• To determine if SPECT/CT imaging can serve as a predictive tool for selecting patients who will benefit from HBOT.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 62 ischemic stroke patients undergoing 60 daily HBOT sessions (0.2 MPa, 90 min).
• Assessment of treatment response based on clinical status and quality of life improvements.
• Correlation of HBOT outcomes with SPECT/CT-detected volumes of the penumbra (at-risk brain tissue) around the stroke zone.

Main Results:

• Patients with significant clinical improvement (n=24) had a large initial penumbra volume (363 ± 20.5 ml) that significantly decreased with HBOT.
• Patients with minimal benefit (n=20) had a smaller initial penumbra volume (148 ± 29.3 ml) with insignificant changes.
• HBOT outcomes were unclear in 18 patients with intermediate penumbra volumes.

Conclusions:

• A large penumbra volume, as assessed by SPECT/CT, is a significant predictor of positive clinical outcomes following HBOT in post-stroke patients.
• SPECT/CT-based penumbra volume assessment can effectively select ischemic stroke patients who are likely to benefit from HBOT.