Perfusion and Diffusion Variables Predict Early Neurological Deterioration in Minor Stroke and Large Vessel Occlusion

Background and purpose: Patients with acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) presenting with mild stroke symptoms are at risk of early neurological deterioration (END). This study aimed to identify the optimal imaging variables for predicting END in this population.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 94 patients from the prospectively maintained institutional stroke registry admitted between January 2011 and May 2019, presenting within 24 hours after onset, with a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5 and anterior circulation LVO. Patients who underwent endovascular therapy before END were excluded. Volumes of Tmax delay (at >2, >4, >6, >8, and >10 seconds), mismatch (Tmax >4 seconds - diffusion-weighted imaging [DWI] and Tmax >6 seconds - DWI), and mild hypoperfusion lesions (Tmax 2-6 and 4-6 seconds) were measured. The association of each variable with END was examined using receiver operating characteristic curves. The variables with best predictive performance were dichotomized at the cutoff point maximizing Youden's index and subsequently analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results: END occurred in 39.4% of the participants. The optimal variables were identified as Tmax >6 seconds, Tmax >6 seconds - DWI, and Tmax 4-6 seconds with cut-off points of 53.73, 32.77, and 55.20 mL, respectively. These variables were independently associated with END (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 12.78 [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.36 to 48.65]; aOR, 5.73 [95% CI, 2.04 to 16.08]; and aOR, 9.13 [95% CI, 2.76 to 30.17], respectively).

Conclusions: Tmax >6 seconds, Tmax >6 seconds - DWI, and Tmax 4-6 seconds could identify patients at high risk of END following minor stroke due to LVO.