Abstract P361: Visualization of the Anterior Temporal Artery as a Predictor of Outcome in Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Patients Achieving Successful Recanalization After Interfacility Transfer

Abstract

Introduction: Many non-thrombectomy centers lack Computerized Tomography Perfusion (CTP) capability. Anterior temporal artery (ATA) visualization on Computerized Tomography Angiography (CTA) has been previously associated with good outcomes in middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusions, but not in the context of recanalization after interfacility transfer for thrombectomy. We hypothesized that independent functional outcome at 90 days would be greater for MCA occlusion patients initially presenting to non-thrombectomy centers with a visualized ATA on CTA who achieved TICI 2b or greater recanalization after transfer. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients transferred for mechanical thrombectomy. A neuroradiologist blinded to patient outcomes confirmed the MCA as the most proximal site of occlusion on CTA, and assessed for visualization of the ATA. TICI 2b or greater revascularization scores were confirmed by neurointerventionalists blinded to patient outcomes. Ninety-day mRS scores were obtained via telephone utilizing a structured questionnaire. Results: We identified a total of 107 MCA occlusion patients over a 3 ½ year period meeting our inclusion criteria. There were no significant differences in age, gender, race, comorbidities, median NIHSS, or time-to-revascularization variables between the ATA visualized (n=50) versus non-visualized (n=57) group, with the exception of significantly more wake-up strokes in the ATA visualized group (34.7% vs 16.1%, p=0.03). There was a non-significant trend for independent outcome (mRS ≤2) at 90 days for patients with ATA visualization compared to those for whom the ATA was not visualized on the CTA (63.8% vs 45.5%, p=0.06). Conclusion: For MCA occlusion patients initially presenting to non-thrombectomy centers achieving successful recanalization via mechanical thrombectomy, there is a strong trend for visualization of the anterior temporal artery on the CTA performed at the non-thrombectomy center as being a predictor of independent functional outcome. Especially for institutions without CTP capability, this association with ATA visualization should be further investigated as a predictor for good outcome after transfer for successful mechanical thrombectomy.