Ischemic core and hypoperfusion volumes predict infarct size in SWIFT PRIME

Ann Neurol. 2016 Jan;79(1):76-89. doi: 10.1002/ana.24543. Epub 2015 Dec 12.

Abstract

Objective: Within the context of a prospective randomized trial (SWIFT PRIME), we assessed whether early imaging of stroke patients, primarily with computed tomography (CT) perfusion, can estimate the size of the irreversibly injured ischemic core and the volume of critically hypoperfused tissue. We also evaluated the accuracy of ischemic core and hypoperfusion volumes for predicting infarct volume in patients with the target mismatch profile.

Methods: Baseline ischemic core and hypoperfusion volumes were assessed prior to randomized treatment with intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) alone versus IV tPA + endovascular therapy (Solitaire stent-retriever) using RAPID automated postprocessing software. Reperfusion was assessed with angiographic Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scores at the end of the procedure (endovascular group) and Tmax > 6-second volumes at 27 hours (both groups). Infarct volume was assessed at 27 hours on noncontrast CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results: A total of 151 patients with baseline imaging with CT perfusion (79%) or multimodal MRI (21%) were included. The median baseline ischemic core volume was 6 ml (interquartile range= 0-16). Ischemic core volumes correlated with 27-hour infarct volumes in patients who achieved reperfusion (r = 0.58, p < 0.0001). In patients who did not reperfuse (<10% reperfusion), baseline Tmax > 6-second lesion volumes correlated with 27-hour infarct volume (r = 0.78, p = 0.005). In target mismatch patients, the union of baseline core and early follow-up Tmax > 6-second volume (ie, predicted infarct volume) correlated with the 27-hour infarct volume (r = 0.73, p < 0.0001); the median absolute difference between the observed and predicted volume was 13 ml.

Interpretation: Ischemic core and hypoperfusion volumes, obtained primarily from CT perfusion scans, predict 27-hour infarct volume in acute stroke patients who were treated with reperfusion therapies.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain Ischemia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Ischemia / therapy
  • Cerebral Infarction / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Infarction / therapy
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation / physiology*
  • Contrast Media
  • Endovascular Procedures
  • Female
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care*
  • Prognosis
  • Prospective Studies
  • Stroke / diagnostic imaging*
  • Stroke / therapy
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator / therapeutic use
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator