Outcomes and CT Perfusion Thresholds of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Patients With Large Ischemic Core Lesions

Hongchao Yang1, Dinglai Lin2, Xiaohui Lin2

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Insights

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is effective for large cerebral infarctions. However, patients over 76 with large core volumes (>90 ml) may not benefit. Age and infarct size predict poor outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Interventional Neurology

Background:

  • Large cerebral infarctions pose significant clinical challenges.
  • Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a key treatment, but patient selection is crucial.
  • Computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) aids in assessing infarct core and penumbra.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate clinical outcomes and predictive factors following MT for large cerebral infarctions.
  • To determine the optimal cerebral blood flow (CBF) threshold for estimating ischemic core volume.
  • To identify patient subgroups who may not benefit from MT.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 137 patients with large anterior circulation infarcts treated with MT.
  • MIStar software used for infarct core volume assessment.
  • Multivariate logistic regression and ROC analysis to identify outcome predictors and optimal thresholds.

Main Results:

  • 23% achieved independent outcomes; 36.5% died at 90 days; 14.7% experienced symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH).
  • Older age (>76 years) and larger core volume (>90 ml) were independent predictors of poor outcomes.
  • Hypertension and rt-PA treatment predicted sICH; older age and larger infarct volume predicted mortality.

Conclusions:

  • MT can be beneficial for large ischemic cores, but age and core volume are critical selection factors.
  • Patients >76 years with core volumes >90 ml may have limited benefit from MT.
  • Further research is needed to establish optimal CBF thresholds for patient selection.
Abstract