Large Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction Research Articles

Abstract 13693: Left Atrial Sarcoma Mimicking Myxoma in Embolic Stroke

Background: Myxomas cause about 0.5% of strokes. Cardiac sarcomas are rare, may mimic myxomas, and are also associated with stroke. Imaging can provide clues to diagnosis. Case: A 53-year-old woman with diabetes, hypertension and prior strokes was admitted with new left hemiparesis. Computed tomography (CT) of the head revealed large middle cerebral artery infarct with petechial hemorrhages. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE; panel A) revealed large left atrial (LA) mass suspicious for myxoma protruding through the mitral valve. CT of the chest (panel B) revealed hilar adenopathy and LA mass concerning for myxoma or thrombus with stalk attachment to the right pulmonary vein (PV). Decision-making: Following heart team meeting decision was to remove the mass surgically given its embolic potential. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE; panel C) revealed a large LA mass with multiple papillary protrusions and attachment via a stalk to the right lower PV. The mass was successfully removed and the patient recovered and was discharged. Follow up pathology returned as cardiac sarcoma. Conclusion: Pulmonary vein intimal sarcomas are rare tumors with poor prognosis, presenting early with chest pain, dyspnea and hemoptysis, or late with stroke. They can mimic myxomas and are therefore often diagnosed post-operatively. Preoperative diagnosis however is imperative to plan treatment and for prognostication. TEE and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are the modalities of choice to diagnose sarcomas and evaluate extent of cardiac structure involvement.

Efficacy and safety of bridging therapy and direct mechanical thrombectomy in large vessel occlusions: a meta-analysis.

Efficacy and safety of bridging therapy and direct mechanical thrombectomy in large vessel occlusions: a meta-analysis.

Management of a Case of Acute Ischaemic Stroke with Large Vessel Occlusion in an LVAD Patient; A UK Secondary Medical Center Experience

Introduction: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are getting more popular in managing advanced heart failure patients. The implantation of LVADs is associated with neurological complications, including ischemic stroke or intracranial hemorrhage. There are no current guidelines on how to manage these neurological complications. In this report, we presented an LVAD patient with a large ischemic cerebral infarct and subarachnoid hemorrhage simultaneously and outlined our approach to managing these complications without affecting the LVAD function. Case presentation: A 34- year-old gentleman with an LVAD to bridge him to heart transplantation presented with acute left-sided body weakness of an undetermined time of onset. His CT head showed a large right middle cerebral artery infarct. He was not a thrombolysis candidate due to the undetermined onset of his stroke, the anticoagulation he was on for the LVAD, and the signs of infarct maturation in the CT head. We managed him in a multidisciplinary team approach holding the Aspirin and Warfarin he was taking and doing serial CT imaging of his brain to monitor the development of brain edema. The patient developed a small subarachnoid hemorrhage on day 2, that spontaneously resolved on day 5. We started him on unfractionated heparin on day 7 and Warfarin on day 10. We made an excellent recovery of his neurological function without impairment of the function on the LVAD. Conclusion: Simultaneous ischemic stroke and brain hemorrhage are a challenge in LVAD patients. A closely monitored stoppage of antithrombotics and serial brain imaging can guide the treatment. Regular assessment of LVAD function is mandated. Antithrombotics could be carefully reintroduced under surveillance brain scanning to maintain the LVAD function.

Ischemic stroke in oral anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation.

Ischemic strokes in orally anticoagulated patients pose challenges for acute management and secondary prevention but the characteristics of these strokes are poorly understood. We examined the clinical and imaging features, the presumed underlying etiology and the subsequent antithrombotic management. We analyzed a consecutive series of patients enrolled into the EIDASAF study, a single center, observational study of ischemic stroke patients with a diagnosis atrial fibrillation (AF) prior to the index event who had been admitted to the Hyperacute Stroke Unit of Imperial College London between 2010 and 2017. We compared patients with oral anticoagulation therapy prior admission (OACprior ) with those without anticoagulation (OACnaive ). Brain imaging was analyzed centrally. 763 patients were included in the analysis. 481 (63%) were OACnaive while 282 (37%) were OACprior . Patients with OACprior were younger, more often had a previous history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), and more often suffered from hypertension and diabetes. In OACnaive, patients, large and deep middle cerebral artery infarcts occurred more often than in OACprior patients. The groups differed significantly in the distribution of competing etiologies underlying their stroke. At discharge, OACprior more frequently were (re)-anticoagulated compared to OACnaive patients. Within the OACprior group, patients with recurrent strokes did not differ from those with a first stroke regarding clinical characteristics and pattern of cerebral infarction but they were less frequently anticoagulated. Ischemic strokes on OAC represent a significant proportion of AF-related strokes. There is an unmet need to better understand the causes underlying these strokes and to optimize the medical management.

Seizures after decompressive hemicraniectomy for large middle cerebral artery territory infarcts: Incidence, associated factors, and impact on long-term outcomes.

Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) reduces mortality of large middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory infarcts. Survivors are at high risk of poststroke seizures (PSSs). This study aims to describe the incidence of PSSs, to identify associated factors, and to assess their impact on long-term outcomes. We included consecutive patients who underwent DH for large MCA infarcts from May 2005 to December 2019 at Lille University Hospital. Patients were followed up at 3months, 1 year, and 3years. We analysed (i) the incidence and associated factors of early onset PSSs (EPSSs) with logistic regression models; (ii) the incidence and associated factors of late onset PSSs (LPSSs) in survivors at 7days with a univariate Cox proportional hazard regression model for interval-censored data; and (iii) the impact of PSSs (EPSSs and LPSSs) on mortality with univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models and modified Rankin Scale at 1 and 3years, with univariate and adjusted multivariate ordinal logistic regression analyses. Of 248 patients (150 men, 60.5%; mean age = 50.4 ± 9.6years), 106 (42.7%) presented PSSs (six inaugural seizures, 22 EPSSs, 78 LPSSs) during follow-up. The PSS cumulative incidence was 12.3% at 7days, 24.9% at 3months, 49.8% at 1years, and 54.8% at 3years. No predictor was significantly associated with either EPSSs or LPSSs. PSSs did not significantly impact mortality and long-term functional outcome. The incidence of PSSs after DH is high, reaching more than 50% 3years after stroke, but PSSs did not influence long-term mortality or functional outcome.

Optic Nerve and Perioptic Sheath Diameter (ONSD), Eyeball Transverse Diameter (ETD) and ONSD/ETD Ratio on MRI in Large Middle Cerebral Artery Infarcts: A Case-Control Study

BackgroundDespite recent progress in the multidisciplinary management of large middle cerebral artery infarcts, the neurological prognosis remains worrying in a non-negligible number of cases. The objective of this study is to analyze the contribution of optic nerve and perioptic sheath measurement on MRI to the acute phase of large middle cerebral artery infarcts. MethodsA retrospective case-control study between January 2008 and December 2019 in a single academic medical center was performed. Cases and controls were selected by interrogation of International Classification of Diseases (ICD), 10th edition, with ischemic stroke as criterion (code I64). Decompressive hemicraniectomy was a criterion for large middle cerebral artery infarcts (cases). Cases were matched with controls (1:3) based on age (± 5 years), sex, and year of hospitalization (± 2 years) The examinations were performed on 3T MRI (Siemens IRM 3T Magnetom).Optic nerve and perioptic sheath diameter was calculated using electronic calipers, 3 mm behind retina and in a perpendicular vector with reference to the orbit in axial 3D TOF sequence. ResultsOf 2612 patients, 22 patients met all the criteria of large middle cerebral artery infarcts and they were paired with 44 controls. Patients were mainly women, mean age of 53.6 years. There is a significant difference in the size of the optic nerve and perioptic sheath diameter measured on MRI at patient's admission (right: 5.13 ± 0.2 mm vs. 4.80 mm ± 0.18, p <0. 0001, left: 5.16 ± 0.17 vs 4.78 ± 0.20, p<0.0001). The AUC of optic nerve and perioptic sheath diameter was 0.93 (95%IC [0.85-1.00]), for a threshold at 5.03 mm, the sensitivity was 0.82 (95%IC [0.6-0.93]), specificity 0.94 (95%IC [0.85-0.98]). The Odds Ratio of large middle cerebral artery infarcts was 46.4 for optic nerve and perioptic sheath diameter the (95%IC [6.15-350.1] p=0.0002). ConclusionOptic nerve and perioptic sheath diameter in the first MRI can predict the risk of developing large middle cerebral artery infarcts requiring a decompressive hemicraniectomy.

Infarct Volume Before Hemicraniectomy in Large Middle Cerebral Artery Infarcts Poorly Predicts Catastrophic Outcome.

Infarct volumes predict malignant infarcts in patients undergoing decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) for large middle cerebral artery territory infarcts. The aim of the study was to determine the optimal magnetic resonance imaging infarct volume threshold that predicts a catastrophic outcome at 1 year (modified Rankin Scale score of 5 or death). We included consecutive patients who underwent DH for large middle cerebral artery infarcts. We analyzed infarct volumes before DH with semi-automated methods on b1000 diffusion-weighted imaging sequences and apparent diffusion coefficient maps. We studied infarct volume thresholds for prediction of catastrophic outcomes, and analyzed sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve, a value ≥0.70 indicating an acceptable prediction. Of 173 patients (109 men, 63%; median age 53 years), 42 (24.3%) had catastrophic outcomes. Magnetic resonance imaging b1000 diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient infarct volumes were associated to the occurrence of 1-year catastrophic outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 9.17 [95% CI, 2.00-42.04] and odds ratio, 4.18 [95% CI, 1.33-13.19], respectively, per 1 log increase). The optimal volume cutoff of were 211 mL on b1000 diffusion-weighted imaging and 181 mL on apparent diffusion coefficient maps. The 2 methods showed similar sensitivities and specificities and overlapping area under the curve of 0.64 (95% CI, 0.54-0.74). In patients with large middle cerebral artery infarcts, optimal magnetic resonance imaging infarct volume thresholds showed poor accuracy and low specificity to predict 1-year catastrophic outcome, with different b1000 diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient thresholds. In the setting of DH, optimal infarct volumes alone should not be used to deny DH, irrespectively of the method used.

The Correlation of Routine Hematological Parameters with In-hospital Mortality and Length of Hospital Stay in Patients with Large Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction.

ObjectiveNeutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) reflect inflammation and these parameters have not been studied in patients with large cerebral artery infarction. This study investigated the correlation of these inflammation parameters with in-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients with large middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction.Materials and methodsThe study was conducted with patients who had large MCA (M1 and M2 segments) infarction. Clinical data of the patients and laboratory results at presentation were obtained from our database and recorded for statistical analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the prognostic factors. The correlation between hematological parameters and LOS was investigated using Spearman’s Rho and Pearson correlation tests.ResultsA total of 143 patients (48 patients with hospital mortality, 95 patients without hospital mortality) were included in the study. The median LOS in patients with hospital mortality [10 (2-90) days] was significantly higher compared to the patients without [7 (2-30) days] (p = 0.024). RDW-SD was found to be a poor prognostic factor according to the multivariate logistic regression model (p = 0.004). There was a significant but weak and positive correlation between LOS and NLR (p = 0.003, r: 0.248) and a significant but weak and negative correlation between LOS and eosinophil count (p = 0.001, r: -0.278).ConclusionsHigh RDW at presentation is a poor prognostic factor in terms of in-hospital mortality in patients with large MCA infarction. In addition, a positive correlation has been found between NLR and LOS.

Predictors of outcome in 1-month survivors of large middle cerebral artery infarcts treated by decompressive hemicraniectomy

BackgroundDecompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) increases survival without severe dependency in patients with large middle cerebral artery (LMCA) infarcts. The objective was to identify predictors of 1-year outcome after DH for LMCA...

Intracranial pressure monitoring for malignant stroke: It is too soon to call it off.

Malignant cerebral infarction (MCI) is a large middle cerebral artery infarction. MCI frequently results in increased intracranial pressure (ICP) because of its extent of the infarction. MCI management focuses on lowering ICP, but monitoring ICP has not been a standard of care. Studies have found insignificant clinical value in monitoring ICP because of doubtful correlations between ICP values and clinical findings. However, this conclusion is largely based on unilateral ICP measurements. Bilateral ICP measurements and differentials accompanying clinical findings are needed to draw a concrete conclusion on the usage of ICP monitoring in MCI management.

Middle cerebral artery infarct in transient antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

The antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is an acquired prothrombotic state where thrombosis is related to the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. It can occur in the absence of associated disease when it is termed primary antiphospholipid syndrome, or it can be secondary to an underlying autoimmune disease, most commonly systemic lupus erythematosus. We report a case of a male child with no underlying infectious or autoimmune disease who presented to us with a large middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarct secondary to transient APS. Although lupus anticoagulant antibodies can be detected in plasma in early-stage, their persistence should be confirmed by repeating the test again after 12 weeks as transient APS is well known in the pediatric population. The exact prevalence of pediatric APS and its manifestation in Asian and particularly Indian children are unknown and further epidemiological studies are warranted.

Computed tomography perfusion in detecting malignant middle cerebral artery infarct.

Background:Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) is an emerging modality which produces maps of time-to- peak (TTP), cerebral blood flow (CBF), and cerebral blood volume (CBV), with a computerized automated map of the infarct and penumbra. This modality provides a better evaluation of the extent of infarction, making it a potential method for assessing patients suffering from large middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarctions.Methods:A prospective cohort study of all patients in Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who presented with the clinical diagnosis of a large MCA infarction within 48 h of onset were subjected to CT brain, and CTP scans on admission and were followed up to determine the development of malignant infarction requiring surgical decompression.Results:CTP parameters were generally lower in patients with malignant brain infarct (MBI) group compared to the nonMBI group. The largest mean difference between the group was noted in the TTP values (P = 0.005). CTP parameters had a comparable positive predictive value (83%–90%) and high net present value (88–93). CBF with cutoff value of >32.85 of the hemisphere could accurately predict malignant infarctions in 81.4% of cases. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of more than 13.5 was also found to be able to accurately determine malignant infarct (97.6%). Functional outcome of patients based on Glasgow outcome scale was similar on discharge, however, showed improvement at 6 months during reviewed base on modified Rankin scale (P < 0.001).Conclusion:CTP parameters should be included in the initial evaluation of patients to predict malignant brain infarction and facilitate surgical treatment of large MCA infarctions.Key messages:CT perfusion parameters have an important role in predicting malignant brain infarction and should be included in the initial evaluation of patients to facilitate the early identification and surgical treatment of large middle cerebral artery infarctions, to improve patient’s prognosis.

Decompressive Hemicraniectomy in Elderly Patients With Space-Occupying Infarction (DECAP): A Prospective Observational Study.

Decompressive hemicraniectomy improves survival rates and functional outcome in patients with space-occupying middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. We sought to determine clinical outcomes in elderly patients with MCA infarction treated with hemicraniectomy and to identify factors associated with functional outcome. We performed a prospective, single-center observational study aiming to include patients aged ≥ 61years with large MCA infarction treated with hemicraniectomy. The primary endpoint was the functional outcome according to modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 6months after hemicraniectomy. Secondary endpoints included outcome measures at 12months. A pooled analysis of individual patient data from the single-center cohort and a DESTINY 2 trial subgroup was performed to identify factors associated with functional status at 12months. We included 40 MCA infarction patients who underwent hemicraniectomy between 2012 and 2017 at our university hospital (median [IQR] patient age 64 [62-67] years, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 17 [16-21]). The dominant hemisphere was affected in 22/40 patients. Hemicraniectomy was performed within 31 [23-53] h of symptom onset. At 6months after hemicraniectomy, 6/40 patients (15%) were moderately or moderately severely disabled (mRS score 3 or 4), 19 (47.5%) severely disabled (mRS score 5), and 15 (37.5%) had died. Compared to surgically treated DESTINY 2 patients, the single-center patients less likely exhibited favorable functional outcome at 6months (mRS scores 0-4; odds ratio 0.239 [95% CI 0.082-0.696]). Case-fatality rate at 12months was 43%. In a pooled analysis including 79 patients from DECAP and DESTINY 2, no significant associations of baseline and treatment factors with the clinical status at 12months were observed. In this single-center cohort of elderly patients with space-occupying MCA infarction and decompressive hemicraniectomy, the probability for survival without severe disability was low. Lethality at 6 and 12months was comparable to previously reported data from a randomized trial.

Combined Extradural and Intradural Pterional Transzygomatic Approach to Large Sphenoid Wing Meningiomas. Operative Technique and Surgical Results.

Objectives Describe a unique and safe surgical procedure for the microsurgical management of large sphenoid wing meningiomas (SWMs) aimed to a radical resection of these tumors. Design A prospective series of 26 cases with SWMs larger than 3 cm in one of its main diameter is presented. All patients were studied following the same clinical and imaging procedures. The surgical approach was through a pterional transzygomatic craniotomy. The surgical procedure has the following steps: 1. Extradural tumor devascularization and resection of the hyperostotic and/or infiltrated bone and then intradurally; 2. Intradural tumor debunking; 3. Microdissection of vascular branches and perforators from the capsule; 4. Identification of the optic and oculomotor nerves and internal carotid artery; 5. Tumor capsule dissection and resection; 6. Dural resection or cauterization; 7. Dural and bone reconstruction and closing. Results All lesions were completely removed. Most complications were transient. The most relevant complication was a large middle cerebral artery infarct with permanent hemiplegia despite a decompressive craniotomy. Conclusion Large SWMs can be considered as a single pathology regarding the surgical approach and intraoperative microsurgical procedure strategies. The pterional transzygomatic approach allows an extradural devascularization of the tumor and an extensive bone resection that facilitates the intradural stage of tumor resection. The proposed approach allows a wide and radical resection of the duramater and bone that increases the Simpson grade. However, surgery does not control other biological or molecular prognostic factors involved in tumor recurrence.

Análise crítica e comentários acerca da craniectomia descompressiva no tratamento da hipertensão intracraniana refratária decorrente de isquemia no território da artéria cerebral média

Introdução: A hipertensão intracraniana refratária secundária ao infarto do território da artéria cerebral média ainda hoje representa uma complexa questão neurocirúrgica. Neste contexto, a craniectomia descompressiva, incluindo suasvariantes, representa uma alternativa envolta em controvérsia. Materiais e métodos: A literatura recente (após 1990) sobre o assunto é revisada, focalizando as principais indicações, diferentes técnicas, timing da cirurgia, complicações e resultados. O total de 19 artigos foram considerados mais relevantes, porémnenhum deles consiste em estudo prospectivo e/ou randomizado. Resultados: A maioria dos artigos, embora longe de um consenso, inclina-se em favor da indicação mais precoce da descompressão baseada em sinais de diminuição do fluxo e aumento da hipertensão intracraniana ou de grande área isquêmica nosexames de imagem com detecção precoce do infarto, enfatizando ainda a importância da avaliação do fluxo sangüíneo regional através do Doppler transcraniano ao longo de toda a evolução do paciente. A maior parte dos estudos também exclui da craniectomia descompressiva aqueles pacientes mais idosos ou com comorbidades graves ou neoplásicas. Conclusão: Apesar de não haver protocolos clínicos de nível I ou II sobre o assunto, cristaliza-se a indicação da craniectomia descompressiva como medida destinada a preservar a vida do paciente.

Radiological imaging features of the basal ganglia that may predict progression to hemicraniectomy in large territory middle cerebral artery infarct.

Predicting which patients are at risk for hemicraniectomy can be helpful for triage and can help preserve neurologic function if detected early. We evaluated basal ganglia imaging predictors for early hemicraniectomy in patients with large territory anterior circulation infarct. This retrospective study evaluated patients with ischemic infarct admitted from January 2005 to July 2011. Patients with malignant cerebral edema refractory to medical therapy or with herniating signs such as depressed level of consciousness, anisocoria, and contralateral leg weakness were triaged to hemicraniectomy. Admission images were reviewed for presence of caudate, lentiform nucleus (putamen and globus pallidus), or basal ganglia (caudate + lentiform nucleus) infarction. Thirty-one patients with large territory MCA infarct, 10 (32%), underwent hemicraniectomy. Infarction of the caudate nucleus (9/10 vs 6/21, p=0.002) or basal ganglia (5/10 vs 2/21, p=0.02) predicted progression to hemicraniectomy. Infarction of the lentiform nucleus only did not predict progression to hemicraniectomy. Sensitivity for patients who did and did not have hemicraniectomy were 50% (5/10) and 90.5% (19/21). For caudate nucleus and caudate plus lentiform nucleus infarcts, the crude- and age-adjusted odds of progression to hemicraniectomy were 9.5 (1.4-64.3) and 6.6 (0.78-55.4), respectively. Infarction of the caudate nucleus or basal ganglia correlated with patients progressing to hemicraniectomy. Infarction of the lentiform nucleus alone did not.

Hemicraniectomy versus medical treatment with large MCA infarct: a review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveLarge middle cerebral artery stroke (space-occupying middle-cerebral-artery (MCA) infarction (SO-MCAi)) results in a very high incidence of death and severe disability. Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) for SO-MCAi results in large reductions...

Imaging Findings Associated with Space-Occupying Edema in Patients with Large Middle Cerebral Artery Infarcts.

Prominent space-occupying cerebral edema is a devastating complication occurring in some but not all patients with large MCA infarcts. It is unclear why differences in the extent of edema exist. Better knowledge of factors related to prominent edema formation could aid treatment strategies. This study aimed to identify variables associated with the development of prominent edema in patients with large MCA infarcts. From the Dutch Acute Stroke Study (DUST), 137 patients were selected with large MCA infarcts on follow-up NCCT (3 ± 2 days after stroke onset), defined as ASPECTS ≤4. Prominent edema was defined as a midline shift of ≥5 mm on follow-up. Admission patient and treatment characteristics were collected. Admission CT parameters used were ASPECTS on NCCT and CBV and MTT maps, and occlusion site, clot burden, and collaterals on CTA. Permeability on admission CTP, and day 3 recanalization and reperfusion statuses were obtained if available. Unadjusted and adjusted (age and NIHSS) odds ratios were calculated for all variables in relation to prominent edema. Prominent edema developed in 51 patients (37%). Adjusted odds ratios for prominent edema were higher with lower ASPECTS on NCCT (adjusted odds ratio, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.13-1.55) and CBV (adjusted odds ratio, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.07-1.49), higher permeability (adjusted odds ratio, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.30-4.24), more proximal thrombus location (adjusted odds ratio, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.57-7.37), higher clot burden (adjusted odds ratio, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.11-7.45), and poor collaterals (adjusted odds ratio, 3.93; 95% CI, 1.78-8.69). Extensive proximal occlusion, poor collaterals, and larger ischemic deficits with higher permeability play a role in the development of prominent edema in large MCA infarcts.

Clinical course, prognostic factors, and long-term outcomes of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction patients in the modern era.

Recanalization therapies have been increasingly applied in clinical practice, which might change the outcomes of patients with large middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. The purpose of this study was to study the clinical course, prognostic factors, and long-term outcomes of patients with an acute large MCA infarction. Patients with an acute large MCA infarction who were treated between January, 2011 - March, 2014 were studied. The demographics and vascular risk factors were compared between patients with and without clinical outcomes of interest, favorable outcome and death. From a total of 1538 patients, 200 patients with large MCA infarction were included. The mean age was 67 years. The mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score was 20. The mean time from onset to the hospital was 289 min. Intravenous recombinant-tissue-plasminogen activator (rtPA) was given in 50 patients (25%). The mean follow-up time was 13 months. 51 patients (51/191, 27%) had a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) at the final follow-up. 81 patients (81/191, 42%) died. A younger age, less severe stroke, rtPA treatment, and large-artery atherosclerosis stroke subtype were related to a favorable outcome. Older age and presence of coronary artery disease were associated with death and rtPA treatment was inversely related to death. Prognosis of patients with a large MCA infarction is still poor. Favorable outcomes were found in only a fourth of the total patients, and a high mortality rate was still present. Intravenous rtPA treatment seemed to be related to a favorable outcome.

Outcomes of patients with large middle cerebral artery infarct treated with and without intravenous thrombolysis

Background:Many thrombolytic studies showed that severe stroke was associated with death and having symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and inversely related to a favorable outcome.Aims:The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of patients with acute large middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction with and without intravenous recombinant-tissue-plasminogen activator (rtPA) treatment.Methods:Patients with acute, large MCA infarction (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] >15) who were treated during 2011–2014 were studied. The demographic data and the outcomes were compared between patients with and without intravenous rtPA treatment.Results:Two hundred and forty patients were included. Mean NIHSS score was 20. One hundred and twenty patients were treated with intravenous rtPA treatment. The patients with rtPA treatment had higher rates of favorable outcomes (39% vs. 17%, P < 0.001) and lower mortality rate (16% vs. 51%, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (6% vs. 4%, P = 0.715).Conclusions:The study showed the benefit and safety of intravenous rtPA treatment in patients with acute large MCA infarct.