Baseline ASPECTS and hypoperfusion intensity ratio influence the impact of first pass reperfusion on functional outcomes

Abstract

Background First pass reperfusion (FPR) has been established as a key performance metric in mechanical thrombectomy (MT). The impact of FPR may be more relevant in fast progressors. We aim to study the impact of baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) on non-contrast CT and hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR) on CT perfusion on clinical outcomes after FPR. Methods A prospective MT database was reviewed for patients with isolated occlusion of the intracranial internal carotid artery and/or middle cerebral artery M1 segment who underwent MT with complete reperfusion (modified Thrombolyis in Cerebral Infarction score 2c–3) from January 2012 to May 2019. The overall population was divided into ASPECTS >7 versus ≤7 and the subgroup of patients with baseline CT perfusion was divided into HIR 7 (62.3% vs 53.1%, adjusted OR 1.372; 95% CI 0.798 to 2.358, p=0.25). Similarly, FPR predicted good outcomes in patients with HIR ≥0.3 (54.8% vs 41.9%, adjusted OR 2.204; 95% CI 1.148 to 4.233, p=0.01) but not in those with HIR Conclusions The impact of FPR on functional outcomes is highly dependent on baseline imaging characteristics, with a more prominent influence in patients presenting with lower ASPECTS and/or higher HIR.