Clinical Implications of Prominent Cortical Vessels on Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with Recanalization Therapy

Abstract

Prominent cortical vessels on susceptibility-weighted imaging (PCV–SWI) correlate with poor leptomeningeal collaterals. However, little is known about PCV–SWI in recanalization therapy-treated patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusions (LVO). We investigated PCV–SWI-based assessment of leptomeningeal collaterals and outcome predictions in 100 such patients in an observational study. We assessed PCV–SWI using the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score and evaluated leptomeningeal collaterals on multiphase CT angiography (mCTA). Predictive abilities were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression and area of receiver operating curves (AUCs). The extent of PCV–SWI correlated with leptomeningeal collaterals on mCTA (Spearman test, r = 0.77; p p = 0.68 for 3-month mRS 0–2; p = 0.23 for successful recanalization). These results suggest that PCV–SWI is a useful feature for assessing leptomeningeal collaterals in acute ischemic stroke patients with anterior circulation LVO and predicting outcomes after recanalization therapy.

Keywords

• prominent cortical vessel
• SWI
• leptomeningeal collaterals
• recanalization therapy
• outcomes
• stroke