Hemorrhagic Conversion of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Neurotherapeutics. 2023 Apr;20(3):705-711. doi: 10.1007/s13311-023-01377-1. Epub 2023 Apr 21.

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide; a serious complication of ischemic stroke is hemorrhagic transformation. Current treatment of acute ischemic stroke includes endovascular thrombectomy and thrombolytic therapy. Both of these treatment options are linked with increased risks of hemorrhagic conversion. The diagnosis and timely management of patients with hemorrhagic conversion is critically important to patient outcomes. This review aims to discuss hemorrhagic conversion of acute ischemic stroke including discussion of the pathophysiology, review of risk factors, imaging considerations, and treatment of patients with hemorrhagic conversion.

Keywords: Acute stroke; Hemorrhagic conversion; Ischemic stroke; Thrombectomy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Ischemia* / complications
  • Brain Ischemia* / diagnosis
  • Brain Ischemia* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Ischemic Stroke*
  • Stroke* / complications
  • Stroke* / therapy
  • Thrombectomy / methods
  • Thrombolytic Therapy / methods