Prediction of infarct growth and neurologic deterioration in patients with positive perfusion-diffusion mismatch

Abstract

Background: To assess the value of baseline clinical severity and perfusion-diffusion mismatch as predictors for further infarct growth and clinical outcome.

Methods: Patients with acute ischemic stroke and initial perfusion-diffusion mismatch within 72 h were enrolled. Baseline perfusion defects on time-to-peak (TTP) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) maps were measured. Infarct volume and stroke severity were assessed by diffusion-weighted image (DWI) and NIHSS, and were repeatedly assessed 7 days later. The predictive value of baseline NIHSS and perfusion defects on further infarct growth and neurologic deterioration was determined.

Results: Fifty-two patients (mean age 68.3±12.8 years, 42% women) were enrolled. CBV defects were significantly associated with infarct growth (CBV, p=0.02). Initial stroke severity, but not TTP and CBV mismatch (p=0.65 and 0.76, respectively), significantly inversely correlated with neurologic deterioration (p=0.001).

Conclusions: In patients with mismatch, those with severe symptoms initially are more likely to have infarct growth, while those with minor symptoms tend to suffer from larger extent of neurologic deterioration within 1 week. CBV is associated with further infarct growth but not clinical deterioration.