Emerging Detection Techniques for Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke: A Scoping Review
Jennifer K Nicholls1,2, Jonathan Ince1, Jatinder S Minhas1,3
1Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Neurology
|January 31, 2022
Summary
This review identifies new methods for detecting large vessel occlusion (LVO), a critical cause of acute ischemic stroke. Emerging techniques like stroke scales and biomarkers show promise for timely LVO diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Emergency Medicine
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Large vessel occlusion (LVO) accounts for a significant proportion of acute ischemic stroke (AIS).
- Prompt recognition of LVO is crucial for effective acute stroke management.
- The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥11 has a reported sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 60% for LVO detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To scope recent literature on emerging detection techniques for LVO.
- To identify advancements in pre-existing LVO detection methods.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of four electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science) and grey literature (OpenGrey) from 2015-2021.
- Two independent researchers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts for eligibility.
- LVO detection techniques were categorized into five groups.
Main Results:
- The search yielded 5,082 articles, with 62 studies included after screening.
- Identified LVO detection techniques included stroke scales (30 studies), imaging/physiological methods (15), algorithmic/machine learning (9), physical symptoms (5), and biomarkers (3).
Conclusions:
- This scoping review highlights novel and advanced methods for LVO detection.
- Stroke scales and biomarkers demonstrate good sensitivity and specificity.
- Advancements support existing neuroimaging methods for LVO confirmation.
