Prognostic Value of Cerebral Hemodynamics Assessment on 24-h Transcranial Color-Coded Doppler Following a Successful Thrombectomy

Abstract

Background and Aims

This study evaluates the distribution and prognostic role of transcranial color-coded Doppler (TCCD) spectral patterns following a successful endovascular thrombectomy (EVT).

Methods

This multicenter prospective study included patients with internal carotid or middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion treated in the early time window (< 6 h) with a successful EVT (mTICI ≥ 2b), without symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation within 24 h. TCCDs were performed 24–48 h and 7 days from EVT. TCCD flow was graded by Consensus on Grading Intracranial Flow Obstruction (COGIF) score (1: no flow; 2–3: low flow; 4a: normal; 4b: residual stenosis; 4c: hyperperfusion). MCA flow velocities were compared between sides and time points. Outcomes were clinical improvement (decrease of 8 points/30% on day 7 NIHSS vs. baseline) and three-month mRS.

Results

188 ischemic stroke patients were included (48% female, median age 77). The median NIHSS was 16 at admission and 3 at day 7. Day 1 TCCD showed slightly higher velocities in the treated MCA compared to the contralateral MCA, without significant differences between day 1 and day 7. Despite mTICI ≥ 2b, 13/187 (7%) patients showed a partial recanalization or residual stenosis at 24 h. Clinical improvement was lacking in 27 patients (14.4%). COGIF scores 3 and 4b at day 1 were significantly associated with lack of improvement at day 7 (aOR 0.03, 95% CI 0.01–0.16, p < 0.001) and worse mRS score at 3 months (mRS ordinal shift analysis, aOR 7.78, 95% CI 2.16–28.54, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Day 1 post-EVT TCCD COGIF score, but no flow velocities alone, are associated with clinical outcomes.