Why Does It Shine?—A Prognostic Analysis about Predisposing Factors for Blood–Brain Barrier Damage after Revascularisation of Cerebral Large-Vessel Occlusion

Abstract

Background: Hyperdense lesions in CT after EVT of LVO are common. These lesions are predictors for haemorrhages and an equivalent of the final infarct. The aim of this study based on FDCT was the evaluation of predisposing factors for these lesions. Methods: Using a local database, 474 patients with mTICI ≥ 2B after EVT were recruited retrospectively. A postinterventional FDCT after recanalisation was analysed regarding such hyperdense lesions. This was correlated with a variety of items (demographics, past medical history, stroke assessment/treatment and short-/long-term follow-up). Results: Significant differences were present in NHISS at admission, regarding time window, ASPECTS in initial NECT, location of the LVO, CT-perfusion (penumbra, mismatch ratio), haemostatic parameters (INR, aPTT), duration of EVT, number of EVT attempts, TICI, affected brain region, volume of demarcation and FDCT-ASPECTS. The ICH-rate, the volume of demarcation in follow-up NECT and the mRS at 90 days differed in association with these hyperdensities. INR, the location of demarcation, the volume of demarcation and the FDCT-ASPECTS could be demonstrated as independent factors for the development of such lesions. Conclusion: Our results support the prognostic value of hyperdense lesions after EVT. We identified the volume of the lesion, the affection of grey matter and the plasmatic coagulation system as independent factors for the development of such lesions.

Keywords

• flat-detector CT (FDCT)
• acute ischaemic stroke (AIS)
• large-vessel occlusion (LVO)
• endovascular treatment (EVT)