Mechanical Thrombectomy in Ischemic Stroke with a Large Infarct Core: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background/Objectives: Endovascular treatment (EVT) is recommended for acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion (LVO) and an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) ≥ 6. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have recently become available on EVT effects in people with LVO-related large core stroke (ASPECTS 0-5). Here, we provide an updated meta-analysis of the EVT effect on functional neurological status in people with large-core stroke. Methods: The study followed the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central were searched for RCTs comparing EVT vs. best medical treatment (BMT) in large-core LVO stroke. The primary outcome was functional independence at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale; mRS 0-2). The secondary outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), good functional outcome (mRS 0-3) and excellent functional outcome (mRS 0-1). EVT vs. BMT was compared through random effect meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I² and Q test and risk of bias reported according to the RoB2 tool. Results: Six RCTs were included (n = 1656 patients). All studies had a moderate risk of bias, with blinding bias due to the nature of the intervention, potential allocation bias and incomplete outcome reporting. Functional independence was significantly more frequent in the EVT vs. BMT group (OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.52-4.03, p < 0.001). sICH rates (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.01-3.11, p = 0.04) and good functional outcome (OR = 2.20; 95% CI = 1.72-2.81, p < 0.001) were more frequent in the EVT vs. BMT group, while the rates of mRS 0-1 did not differ. Conclusions: In patients with large-core stroke and LVO, EVT plus BMT as compared to BMT alone carries a significant increase in independent ambulation and good functional outcome at 3 months despite the marginal increase in sICH.