Selection of possible responders to thrombolytic therapy in acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and morbidity worldwide, and systemic thrombolytic treatment is still the first-line therapy within 4.5 h from symptom onset. Selecting patients for treatment response is mandatory in any time window but challenging as well. The authors aim to support stroke physicians in their individual decision making. Besides evidence from clinical trials, some suggestions included here exclusively reflect the authors' opinions. This article presents clinical and imaging criteria of selecting patients reasonably, offering causal therapy to a growing number of patients.