Perfusion-Based Selection for Endovascular Reperfusion Therapy in Anterior Circulation Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Controversy exists about the role of perfusion imaging in patient selection for endovascular reperfusion therapy in acute ischemic stroke. We hypothesized that perfusion imaging versus noncontrast CT- based selection would be associated with improved functional outcomes at 3 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed consecutive patients with anterior circulation strokes treated with endovascular reperfusion therapy within 8 hours and with baseline NIHSS score of ≥8. Baseline clinical data, selection mode (perfusion versus NCCT), angiographic data, complications, and modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months were collected. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed whether the mode of selection for endovascular reperfusion therapy (perfusion-based versus NCCT-based) was independently associated with good outcome.

RESULTS: Two-hundred fourteen patients (mean age, 67.2 years; median NIHSS score, 18; MCA occlusion 74% and ICA occlusion 26%) were included. Perfusion imaging was used in 76 (35.5%) patients (39 CT and 37 MR imaging). Perfusion imaging–selected patients were more likely to have good outcomes compared with NCCT-selected patients (55.3 versus 33.3%, P = .002); perfusion selection by CT was associated with similar outcomes as that by MR imaging (CTP, 56.; MR perfusion, 54.1%; P = .836). In multivariable analysis, CT or MR perfusion imaging selection remained strongly associated with good outcome (adjusted OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.22–4.47), independent of baseline severity and reperfusion.

CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter study, patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent perfusion imaging were more than 2-fold more likely to have good outcomes following endovascular reperfusion therapy. Randomized studies should compare perfusion imaging with NCCT imaging for patient selection for endovascular reperfusion therapy.