Ghost infarct core following endovascular reperfusion: A risk for computed tomography perfusion misguided selection in stroke

2021 ◽  
pp. 174749302110562
Author(s):  
Gabriel M Rodrigues ◽  
Mahmoud H Mohammaden ◽  
Diogo C Haussen ◽  
Mehdi Bouslama ◽  
Krishnan Ravindran ◽  
...  

Background Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) has been increasingly used for patient selection in mechanical thrombectomy for stroke. However, previous studies suggested that CTP might overestimate the infarct size. The term ghost infarct core (GIC) has been used to describe an overestimation of the final infarct volumes by pre-treatment CTP of >10 ml. Aim We sought to study the frequency and predictors of GIC. Methods A prospectively collected mechanical thrombectomy database at a comprehensive stroke center between September 2010 and August 2020 was reviewed. Patients were included if they had a successful reperfusion (mTICI2b-3), a pre-procedure CTP, and final infarct volume measured on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. Uni- and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of GIC. Results Among 923 eligible patients (median [IQR] age, 64 [55–75] years; NIHSS, 16 [11–21]; onset to reperfusion time, 436.5 [286–744.5] min), GIC was identified in 77 (8.3%) of the overall patients and in 14% (47/335) of those reperfused within 6 h of symptom onset. The median overestimation volume was 23.2 [16.4–38.3] mL. GIC was associated with higher NIHSS score, larger areas of infarct core and tissue at risk on CTP, unfavorable collateral scores, and shorter times from onset to image acquisition and to reperfusion as compared to non-GIC. Patients with GIC had smaller median final infarct volumes (10.7 vs. 27.1 ml, p < 0.001), higher chances of functional independence (76.2% vs. 55.5%, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.829, 95% CI [1.505–9.737], p = 0.005), lower disability (one-point-mRS improvement, aOR 1.761, 95% CI [1.044–2.981], p = 0.03), and lower mortality (6.3% vs. 15%, aOR 0.119, 95% CI [0.014–0.984], p = 0.048) at 90 days. On multivariable analysis, time from onset to reperfusion ≤6 h (OR 3.184, 95% CI [1.743–5.815], p < 0.001), poor collaterals (OR 2.688, 95% CI [1.466–4.931], p = 0.001), and higher NIHSS score (OR 1.060, 95% CI [1.010–1.113], p = 0.018) were independent predictors of GIC. Conclusion GIC is a relatively common entity, particularly in patients with poor collateral status, higher baseline NIHSS score, and early presentation, and is associated with more favorable outcomes. Patients should not be excluded from reperfusion therapies on the sole basis of CTP findings, especially in the early window.

2021 ◽  
pp. 197140092098866
Author(s):  
Ryan A Rava ◽  
Kenneth V Snyder ◽  
Maxim Mokin ◽  
Muhammad Waqas ◽  
Alexander R Podgorsak ◽  
...  

Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) is crucial for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patient diagnosis. To improve infarct prediction, enhanced image processing and automated parameter selection have been implemented in Vital Images’ new CTP+ software. We compared CTP+ with its previous version, commercially available software (RAPID and Sphere), and follow-up diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Data from 191 AIS patients between March 2019 and January 2020 was retrospectively collected and allocated into endovascular intervention ( n = 81) and conservative treatment ( n = 110) cohorts. Intervention patients were treated for large vessel occlusion, underwent mechanical thrombectomy, and achieved successful reperfusion of thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b/2c/3. Conservative treatment patients suffered large or small vessel occlusion and did not receive intravenous thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy. Infarct and penumbra were assessed using intervention and conservative treatment patients, respectively. Infarct and penumbra volumes were segmented from CTP+ and compared with 24-h DWI along with RAPID, Sphere, and Vitrea. Mean infarct differences (95% confidence intervals) and Spearman correlation coefficients (SCCs) between DWI and each CTP software product for intervention patients are: CTP+  = (5.8 ± 5.9 ml, 0.62), RAPID = (10.0  ± 5.2 ml, 0.73), Sphere = (3.0 ± 6.0 ml, 0.56), Vitrea = (7.2 ± 4.9 ml, 0.66). For conservative treatment patients, mean infarct differences and SCCs are: CTP+ = (–8.0 ± 5.4 ml, 0.64), RAPID = (–25.6 ± 11.5 ml, 0.60), Sphere = (–25.6 ± 8.0 ml, 0.66), Vitrea = (1.3 ± 4.0 ml, 0.72). CTP+ performed similarly to RAPID and Sphere in addition to its semi-automated predecessor, Vitrea, when assessing intervention patient infarct volumes. For conservative treatment patients, CTP+ outperformed RAPID and Sphere in assessing penumbra. Semi-automated Vitrea remains the most accurate in assessing penumbra, but CTP+ provides an improved workflow from its predecessor.


Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Wagner ◽  
Donald Frei ◽  
Raul Nogueira ◽  
Adnan Siddiqui ◽  
Osama O Zaidat ◽  
...  

Purpose: Mechanical thrombectomy has been demonstrated to provide benefits in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). But whether to treat AIS patients with a large infarct core remains controversial. Although it is a common practice that patients with large infarct core are not offered endovascular treatment, previous data have consistently shown a proportion of these patients may benefit from IA intervention. The purpose of this study is to identify predictors of good outcomes in an AIS cohort with a large infarct volume previously treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that among AIS patients with a large infarct volume, younger patients (≤66 years) who present with lower NIHSS scores will show good functional outcomes (mRS 0-2) at 90 days if treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Methods: Univariable and multivariable analyses were preformed to identify factors that predict good functional outcomes in AIS patients with ASPECTS 0-5 who were treated with the Penumbra System. Five previous prospective, multicenter trials (PIVOTAL, PICS, RetroSTART, START, SEPARATOR 3D) were included in this study. Patients who presented with symptoms of AIS were analyzed for association between presenting demographics and modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at 90 days in univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Data for 614 patients with a median age of 69 years and an NIHSS score of 18 met study criteria. Of these, the 90-day mRS 0-2 rate and mortality were, respectively, 40.23% and 25.41%. Among those with ASPECTS 0-5 (N=93), 17.20% had good functional outcome. An age of ≤66 years was significantly associated with good outcome (p<0.0001) among those with ASPECTS 0-5. Within this age group who had ASPECTS 0-5, a baseline NIHSS score of ≤ 20 (p= 0.0088) with a target vessel location at the MCA (p=0.0210) were also strong predictors of good outcome if treated by mechanical thrombectomy. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that age ≤66 years, baseline NIHSS score of ≤ 20 with a target vessel location in the MCA are important predictors of good outcomes in an AIS cohort with a large infarct core who are eligible for mechanical thrombectomy.


Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brijesh Mehta ◽  
Rishi Gupta ◽  
Albert Yoo ◽  
Hope Buell ◽  
Kelly Adamski ◽  
...  

Purpose: Recent reports from the IMS 3 trial showed the importance of early reperfusion to functional recovery after mechanical thrombectomy. The purpose of this study was to determine the cause(s) for delaying the start of IA intervention in the Penumbra trials. Methods: A pooled analysis of 1028 patients was conducted in the prospective (Pivotal N=124, PICS N=261, START N=133) and retrospective/registry (POST N=108, RetroSTART N=191, Speed 054 N=71) Penumbra trials. All obtained treatment at <8 hours from stroke symptom onset. Tested covariates (patient demographics, admission NIHSS scores, time of presentation from onset, day of the week presented to the hospital, IV tPA, and pre-treatment infarct size) were considered in the multivariable model. Results: Among the patients reviewed, 888 met study criteria. Mean age was 66.1±15.0 and 52.3% were female (464/888). Average NIHSS at admission was 17.5 ± 6.2 and 46.0% were administered IV-tPA prior to mechanical thrombectomy. Mean pre-treatment ASPECTS score was 7.5± 2.1. The average time from symptom onset to hospital presentation was 129.1±100.7 minutes and the average time from presentation to procedure start was 134.9±75.2 minutes. There is a significant, inverse relationship between onset to hospital and onset to groin puncture (R=-0.350, p<0.0001). Patients who presented late to the hospital were often treated earlier. Similarly, patients who experienced delays prior to arrival at the hospital were more likely to have a larger infarct core as indicated by a significantly lower ASPECTS score (p=0.028). In a multivariate analysis, a shorter symptom onset to presentation significantly predicts in-hospital delays (p<0.0001). Admission NIHSS scores, target vessel location, day of the week presentation, or IV lytic treatment were not significant contributing factors to the delay in endovascular treatment. Conclusion: In this pooled cohort of Penumbra cases, delay to IA therapy was predicted by an early presentation to the hospital and a smaller infarct core. Our findings suggest that there is a need to conduct an intensive review of in-hospital triaging procedures for endovascular therapy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 513-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuno Martins ◽  
Ana Aires ◽  
Beatriz Mendez ◽  
Sandra Boned ◽  
Marta Rubiera ◽  
...  

Background: Determining the size of infarct extent is crucial to elect patients for reperfusion therapies. Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) based on cerebral blood volume may overestimate infarct core on admission and consequently include ghost infarct core (GIC) in a definitive lesional area. Purpose: Our goal was to confirm and better characterize the GIC phenomenon using CTP cerebral blood flow (CBF) as the reference parameter to determine infarct core. Methods: We performed a retrospective, single-center analysis of consecutive thrombectomies of middle cerebral or intracranial internal carotid artery occlusions considering noncontrast CT Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score ≥6 in patients with pretreatment CTP. We used the RAPID® software to measure admission infarct core based on initial CBF. The final infarct was extracted from follow-up CT. GIC was defined as initial core minus final infarct > 10 mL. Results: A total of 123 patients were included. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 18 (13–20), the median time from symptoms to CTP was 188 (67–288) min, and the recanalization rate (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2b, 2c, or 3) was 83%. Twenty patients (16%) presented with GIC. GIC was associated with shorter time to recanalization (150 [105–291] vs. 255 [163–367] min, p = 0.05) and larger initial CBF core volume (38 [26–59] vs. 6 [0–27] mL, p < 0.001). An adjusted logistic regression model identified time to recanalization < 302 min (OR 4.598, 95% CI 1.143–18.495, p = 0.032) and initial infarct volume (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001–1.019, p = 0.032) as independent predictors of GIC. At 24 h, clinical improvement was more frequent in patients with GIC (80 vs. 49%, p = 0.01). Conclusions: CTP CBF < 30% may overestimate infarct core volume, especially in patients imaged in the very early time window and with fast complete reperfusion. Therefore, the CTP CBF technique may exclude patients who would benefit from endovascular treatment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 966-977 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Laredo ◽  
Arturo Renú ◽  
Raúl Tudela ◽  
Antonio Lopez-Rueda ◽  
Xabier Urra ◽  
...  

Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) allows the estimation of pretreatment ischemic core after acute ischemic stroke. However, CTP-derived ischemic core may overestimate final infarct volume. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of CTP-derived ischemic core for the prediction of final infarct volume according to time from stroke onset to recanalization in 104 patients achieving complete recanalization after mechanical thrombectomy who had a pretreatment CTP and a 24-h follow-up MRI-DWI. A range of CTP thresholds was explored in perfusion maps at constant increments for ischemic core calculation. Time to recanalization modified significantly the association between ischemic core and DWI lesion in a non-linear fashion ( p-interaction = 0.018). Patients with recanalization before 4.5 h had significantly lower intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values between CTP-predicted ischemic core and DWI lesion ( n = 54; best threshold relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) < 25%, ICC = 0.673, 95% CI = 0.495–0.797) than those with later recanalization ( n = 50; best threshold rCBF < 30%, ICC = 0.887, 95% CI = 0.811–0.935, p = 0.013), as well as poorer spatial lesion agreement. The significance of the associations between CTP-derived ischemic core and clinical outcome at 90 days was lost in patients recanalized before 4.5 h. CTP-derived ischemic core must be interpreted with caution given its dependency on time to recanalization, primarily in patients with higher chances of early recanalization.


Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvaro Garcia-Tornel ◽  
Matias Deck ◽  
Marc Ribo ◽  
David Rodriguez-Luna ◽  
Jorge Pagola ◽  
...  

Introduction: Perfusion imaging has emerged as an imaging tool to select patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) secondary to large vessel occlusion (LVO) for endovascular treatment (EVT). We aim to compare an automated method to assess the infarct ischemic core (IC) in Non-Contrast Computed Tomography (NCCT) with Computed Tomography Perfusion (CTP) imaging and its ability to predict functional outcome and final infarct volume (FIV). Methods: 494 patients with anterior circulation stroke treated with EVT were included. Volumetric assessment of IC in NCCT (eA-IC) was calculated using eASPECTS™ (Brainomix, Oxford). CTP was processed using availaible software considering CTP-IC as volume of Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF) <30% comparing with the contralateral hemisphere. FIV was calculated in patients with complete recanalization using a semiautomated method with a NCCT performed 48-72 hours after EVT. Complete recanalization was considered as modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) ≥2B after EVT. Good functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin score (mRs) ≤2 at 90 days. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the correlation between EA-IC and CTP-IC and its ability to predict prognosis and FIV. Results: Median eA-IC and CTP-IC were 16 (IQR 7-31) and 8 (IQR 0-28), respectively. 419 patients (85%) achieved complete recanalization, and their median FIV was 17.5cc (IQR 5-52). Good functional outcome was achieved in 230 patients (47%). EA-IC and CTP-IC had moderate correlation between them (r=0.52, p<0.01) and similar correlation with FIV (r=0.52 and 0.51, respectively, p<0.01). Using ROC curves, both methods had similar performance in its ability to predict good functional outcome (EA-IC AUC 0.68 p<0.01, CTP-IC AUC 0.66 p<0.01). Multivariate analysis adjusted by confounding factors showed that eA-IC and CTP-IC predicted good functional outcome (for every 10cc and >40cc, OR 1.5, IC1.3-1.8, p<0.01 and OR 1.3, IC1.1-1.5, p<0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Automated volumetric assessment of infarct core in NCCT has similar performance predicting prognosis and final infarct volume than CTP. Prospective studies should evaluate a NCCT-core / vessel occlusion penumbra missmatch as an alternative method to select patients for EVT.


Author(s):  
Adam A Dmytriw ◽  
Abdullah Alrashed ◽  
Alejandro Enriquez-Marulanda ◽  
Shadi Daghighi ◽  
Ghouth Waggas ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT:Purpose:The aim was to assess the ability of post-treatment diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to predict 90-day functional outcome in patients with endovascular therapy (EVT) for large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods:We examined a retrospective cohort from March 2016 to January 2018, of consecutive patients with AIS who received EVT. Planimetric DWI was obtained and infarct volume calculated. Four blinded readers were asked to predict modified Rankin Score (mRS) at 90 days post-thrombectomy.Results:Fifty-one patients received endovascular treatment (mean age 65.1 years, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) 18). Mean infarct volume was 43.7 mL. The baseline NIHSS, 24-hour NIHSS, and the DWI volume were lower for the mRS 0–2 group. Also, the thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2b/3 rate was higher in the mRS 0–2 group. No differences were found in terms of the occlusion level, reperfusion technique, or recombinant tissue plasminogen activator use. There was a significant association noted between average infarct volume and mRS at 90 days. On multivariable analysis, higher infarct volume was significantly associated with 90-day mRS 3–5 when adjusted to TICI scores and occlusion location (OR 1.01; CI 95% 1.001–1.03; p = 0.008). Area under curve analysis showed poor performance of DWI volume reader ability to qualitatively predict 90-day mRS.Conclusion:The subjective impression of DWI as a predictor of clinical outcome is poorly correlated when controlling for premorbid status and other confounders. Qualitative DWI by experienced readers both overestimated the severity of stroke for patients who achieved good recovery and underestimated the mRS for poor outcome patients. Infarct core quantitation was reliable.


Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 223-231
Author(s):  
Hulin Kuang ◽  
Wu Qiu ◽  
Anna M. Boers ◽  
Scott Brown ◽  
Keith Muir ◽  
...  

Background and Purpose: Prediction of infarct extent among patients with acute ischemic stroke using computed tomography perfusion is defined by predefined discrete computed tomography perfusion thresholds. Our objective is to develop a threshold-free computed tomography perfusion–based machine learning (ML) model to predict follow-up infarct in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Sixty-eight patients from the PRoveIT study (Measuring Collaterals With Multi-Phase CT Angiography in Patients With Ischemic Stroke) were used to derive a ML model using random forest to predict follow-up infarction voxel by voxel, and 137 patients from the HERMES study (Highly Effective Reperfusion Evaluated in Multiple Endovascular Stroke Trials) were used to test the derived ML model. Average map, T max , cerebral blood flow, cerebral blood volume, and time variables including stroke onset-to-imaging and imaging-to-reperfusion time, were used as features to train the ML model. Spatial and volumetric agreement between the ML model predicted follow-up infarct and actual follow-up infarct were assessed. Relative cerebral blood flow <0.3 threshold using RAPID software and time-dependent T max thresholds were compared with the ML model. Results: In the test cohort (137 patients), median follow-up infarct volume predicted by the ML model was 30.9 mL (interquartile range, 16.4–54.3 mL), compared with a median 29.6 mL (interquartile range, 11.1–70.9 mL) of actual follow-up infarct volume. The Pearson correlation coefficient between 2 measurements was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.74–0.86, P <0.001) while the volumetric difference was −3.2 mL (interquartile range, −16.7 to 6.1 mL). Volumetric difference with the ML model was smaller versus the relative cerebral blood flow <0.3 threshold and the time-dependent T max threshold ( P <0.001). Conclusions: A ML using computed tomography perfusion data and time estimates follow-up infarction in patients with acute ischemic stroke better than current methods.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 277-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Weiss ◽  
Bastian Kraus ◽  
Christian Rubbert ◽  
Marius Kaschner ◽  
Sebastian Jander ◽  
...  

Purpose This study compares computed tomography angiography-based collateral scoring systems in regard to their inter-rater reliability and potential to predict functional outcome after endovascular thrombectomy, and relates them to parenchymal perfusion as measured by computed tomography perfusion. Methods Eighty-four patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy in anterior circulation ischaemic stroke were enrolled. Modified Tan Score, Miteff Score, Maas Score and Opercular Index Score ratio were assessed in pre-interventional computed tomography angiographies independently by two readers. Collateral scores were tested for inter-rater reliability by weighted-kappa, for correlations with three-months modified Rankin Scale, and their potential to differentiate between patients with favourable (modified Rankin Scale ≤2) and poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≥3). Correlations with relative cerebral blood volume and relative cerebral blood flow were tested in patients with available computed tomography perfusion. Results Very good inter-rater reliability was found for Modified Tan, Miteff and Opercular Index Score ratio, and substantial reliability for Maas. There were no significant correlations between collateral scores and three-months modified Rankin Scale, but significant group differences between patients with favourable and poor outcome for Maas, Miteff and Opercular Index Score ratio. Miteff and Maas were significant predictors of favourable outcome in binary logistic regression analysis. Miteff best differentiated between both outcome groups in receiver-operating characteristics, and Maas reached highest sensitivity for favourable outcome prediction of 96%. All collateral scores significantly correlated with mean relative cerebral blood volume and relative cerebral blood flow. Conclusions Computed tomography angiography scores are valuable in estimating functional outcome after mechanical thrombectomy and reliable across readers. The more complex scores, Maas and Miteff, show the best performances in predicting favourable outcome.


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