Evaluation of the relationship between computed tomography angiography collateral scores and clinical outcome

Ahmet Yabalak1, Muhammed Nur Ögün2, Ayşenur Önalan3

  • 1Duzce University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Duzce, Türkiye.

PubMed

Insights

The multiphase CT angiography (mCTA) and regional leptomeningeal collateral (rLMC) scores best predict outcomes after stroke treatment. Further research could combine their strengths for improved stroke prognosis assessment.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Collateral circulation significantly impacts prognosis in anterior circulation stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment.
  • Numerous studies have explored this relationship, yet a consensus on the best predictive scoring remains elusive.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the predictive capabilities of five commonly used collateral scores for clinical outcomes in stroke patients.
  • To identify which collateral scoring methods offer the most accurate prognosis following endovascular therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 68 patients with anterior circulation stroke treated between November 2019 and December 2021.
  • Inclusion criteria: premorbid modified Rankin Scale (mRS) < 3, intracranial internal carotid artery and/or middle cerebral artery M1 occlusion, and pre-procedural multiphase CT angiography (mCTA).
  • Evaluation of five collateral scores: mCTA, Tan, Maas, Miteff, and regional leptomeningeal collateral (rLMC), correlating them with 3-month clinical outcomes (mRS).

Main Results:

  • Good clinical outcomes (mRS ≤ 2) were observed in 37 out of 68 patients at 3 months.
  • Only the mCTA and rLMC scores were significantly higher in patients with good outcomes.
  • Both mCTA and rLMC scores showed a significant correlation with the 3-month mRS, but neither was an independent predictor of prognosis.

Conclusions:

  • The mCTA and rLMC collateral scores demonstrated the highest predictive power and correlation with 3-month clinical outcomes.
  • The findings suggest the potential benefit of developing a novel scoring system that integrates regional and temporal evaluation from mCTA for improved stroke prognosis.
Abstract