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Predictive value of intracranial high-density areas in neurological function
Zhi-Juan Lu1, Jin-Xing Lai1, Jing-Ru Huang1
1Department of Neurology, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China.
World Journal of Psychiatry
|July 25, 2024
Summary
Intracranial high-density areas (HDAs) detected on CT scans after endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) indicate a poorer prognosis for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. These findings also correlate with increased neurological deficits and severe depression and anxiety symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Stroke Medicine
Background:
- Intracranial high-density areas (HDAs) are increasingly recognized markers in stroke imaging.
- Their predictive value for post-treatment neurological function and mental health remains incompletely understood.
- Further investigation is crucial to clarify the prognostic significance of HDAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive capability of intracranial HDAs for neurological outcomes and mental health.
- To assess the association between HDAs and prognosis following endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS).
Main Methods:
- A prospective study included 96 patients undergoing endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) for AIS.
- Cranial computed tomography (CT) scans were performed within 24 hours post-EMT.
- Neurological function (NIHSS), functional outcome (mRS), depression (SDS), and anxiety (SAS) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Patients with HDAs showed more severe neurological deficits and higher rates of disability (mRS).
- HDAs were associated with significantly higher scores for depression (SDS) and anxiety (SAS).
- Multivariate analysis confirmed HDAs as independent negative prognostic factors.
Conclusions:
- Intracranial HDAs on CT imaging predict a poor prognosis in AIS patients treated with EMT.
- HDAs are linked to worse neurological function and increased depressive and anxiety symptoms.
- This highlights the importance of identifying HDAs for risk stratification and patient management.
