Incidence, prognosis, and prediction of haemorrhagic transformation after revascularisation for stroke.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION\nHaemorrhagic transformation is a major complication of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). We sought to determine the predictors and clinical impact of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) after revascularisation therapy.\n\n\nMETHODS\nWe conducted a retrospective, single-centre study including 235 patients with AIS who underwent intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV-rtPA) therapy and/or endovascular treatment. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine the variables associated with ICH, parenchymal haematomas (PH), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, and mortality.\n\n\nRESULTS\nICH was detected in 57 (30 with PH) of 183 patients included. Mechanical thrombectomy, either alone (OR 3.3 [1.42-7.63], P=.005) or in combination with IV-rtPA (OR 3.39 [1.52-7.56], P=.003), was associated with higher risk of ICH, while higher Alberta Stroke Program Early CT scores (OR 0.71 [0.55-0.91], P=.007) were associated with lower risk. Patients with older age (OR 1.07 [1.02-1.13], P=.006) and occlusion of the terminal branch of the internal carotid artery (OR 4.03 [1.35-11.99], P=.012) had a higher risk of PH, while the use of IV-rtPA alone (OR 0.24 [0.08-0.68], P=.008) was associated with lower risk of PH. Only PH was associated with disability as measured by the mRS (OR 3.2 [1.17-8.76], P=.02) and higher mortality (OR 5.06 [1.65-15.5], P=.005).\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nGreater understanding about the predictors of ICH, mRS scores, and mortality could enable better selection of patients and treatments.