Leukoaraiosis is a predictor of futile recanalization in acute ischemic stroke

AbstractFutile recanalization occurs when successful recanalization fails to improve clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients. Predictors of futile recanalization are still debated and may help in selecting patients for reperfusion strategies. We aim to determine whether leukoaraiosis may be useful in predicting futile recanalization in acute ischemic stroke patients treated by endovascular mechanical thrombectomy. We included in the analysis patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion undergoing endovascular mechanical thrombectomy obtaining complete vessel recanalization. Demographics, vascular risk factors, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, time from symptoms onset to recanalization, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, and leukoaraiosis graded on a 4-point van Swieten scale were collected. We dichotomized patients into those with moderate –severe leukoaraiosis (2–4) versus those with absent-slight leukoaraiosis (0, 1). Outcome measures were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and modified Rankin scale score at 90 days. The relationships among radiological parameters and clinical data with outcome measures were studied with univ ariate and multivariable analyses. Sixty-eight patients were identified. Recanalization was futile in 32.4% of cases. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the presence of moderate–severe LA was independent predictors of FR (P = 0.01). Furthermore, hi...
Source: Journal of Neurology - Category: Neurology Source Type: research