pH-sensitive probes for ischemic stroke: advancing early detection and accurate grading.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biochemistry
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Early detection and assessment of ischemic stroke (IS) are critical for effective treatment and prognosis.
• Conventional methods like the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), CT, and MRI have limitations in the hyperacute stage.
• Subtle neurological deficits and delayed imaging changes pose challenges for early IS diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in pH-based detection for ischemic stroke.
• To emphasize the potential of pH monitoring for early diagnosis and physiologically informed stroke grading.
• To discuss challenges and future directions for clinical translation of pH-based IS detection.

Main Methods:

• Review of current clinical and imaging assessment methods for acute stroke.
• Discussion of the pathophysiological basis of ischemia-associated acidosis.
• Exploration of emerging pH-detection technologies and their clinical translation barriers.

Main Results:

• Tissue acidosis declines rapidly after cerebral hypoperfusion, serving as an early indicator of ischemic injury.
• pH changes may be detectable before conventional imaging abnormalities become apparent.
• pH-based approaches show potential for improved early diagnosis and stroke grading.

Conclusions:

• pH monitoring is a valuable tool for the early detection and assessment of ischemic stroke.
• Integrating pH information with perfusion imaging, biomarkers, and AI can enhance stroke assessment frameworks.
• Further research and technological development are needed to overcome barriers to clinical translation.