Futile recanalization is associated with increased risk of post-stroke epilepsy

Endovascular treatment (EVT) is the standard of care of ischaemic stroke due to occlusion of large vessels. Although EVT can significantly improve short- and long-term outcomes, functional dependence can persist despite the achievement of a successful recanalization. The evidence about the predictors of post-stroke epilepsy (PSE) in patients with stroke treated by EVT is limited. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between futile recanalization and the risk of PSE.

We retrospectively identified consecutive adults with first-ever ischaemic stroke of anterior circulation who were treated with EVT. Futile recanalization was defined as poor 3-month functional status (modified Rankin scale score ≥ 3) despite complete or near-complete recanalization. Study outcome was the occurrence of PSE during the follow-up.

The study included 327 patients with anterior circulation ischaemic stroke treated with EVT. Futile recanalization occurred in 116 (35.5%) patients and 26 (8.0%) developed PSE during a median follow-up of 35 [interquartile range, 22.7-55.2] months. Futile recanalization was more common among patients who developed PSE compared to those who did not (76.9% versus 31.9%; p < 0.001). Futile recanalization [hazard ratio (HR) = 5.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.88-16.84; p = 0.002], large artery atherosclerosis (HR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.44-8.40; p = 0.006), cortical involvement (HR = 15.51, 95% CI: 2.06-116.98; p = 0.008), and acute symptomatic status epilepticus (HR = 14.40, 95% CI: 2.80-73.98; p = 0.001) increased the risk of PSE.

Futile recanalization after EVT is associated with increased risk of PSE in patients with ischaemic stroke due to occlusion of large vessel of the anterior circulation.