Multiphase CTA Collateral Score to Identify Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis-Related Large Vessel Occlusion

Jiajie Xia1, Chuanjian Tu, Hui Qian

  • 1From the Department of Neurosurgery, The Central Affiliated Hospital, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China.

The Neurologist
|March 4, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The multiphase CT angiography (mCTA) collateral score can help identify intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS)-related large vessel occlusion (LVO) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A higher mCTA score indicates a greater likelihood of ICAS-related LVO.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging

Background:

  • Acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO) requires timely revascularization.
  • Cerebral perfusion in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is critically dependent on collateral circulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the multiphase CT angiography (mCTA) collateral score as a diagnostic marker for ICAS-related LVO.
  • To determine the association between mCTA collateral score and the etiology of AIS-LVO.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 92 patients with AIS-LVO who underwent mCTA.
  • Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the mCTA collateral score for ICAS-related LVO.

Main Results:

  • Patients with ICAS-related LVO had significantly higher median mCTA collateral scores (4 vs. 3; P<0.0001).
  • The mCTA collateral score demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.817) for identifying ICAS-related LVO, with an optimal cutoff of 3.5.
  • Higher mCTA scores (4-5) were associated with worse functional outcomes (higher mRS) at discharge.

Conclusions:

  • The mCTA collateral score is a potential marker for identifying ICAS-related LVO in AIS-LVO patients.
  • Utilizing the mCTA collateral score may aid in determining stroke etiology and guiding treatment decisions.
Abstract