A trial of imaging selection and endovascular treatment for ischemic stroke.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Whether brain imaging can identify patients who are most likely to benefit from therapies for acute ischemic stroke and whether endovascular thrombectomy improves clinical outcomes in such patients remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, we randomly assigned patients within 8 hours after the onset of large-vessel, anterior-circulation strokes to undergo mechanical embolectomy (Merci Retriever or Penumbra System) or receive standard care. All patients underwent pretreatment computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Randomization was stratified according to whether the patient had a favorable penumbral pattern (substantial salvageable tissue and small infarct core) or a nonpenumbral pattern (large core or small or absent penumbra). We assessed

SUBMITTER: Kidwell CS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3690785 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature