J Clin Neurol.  2021 Oct;17(4):516-523. 10.3988/jcn.2021.17.4.516.

Hyperintense Vessel Sign in Large-Vessel Occlusion Stroke of Mild-to-Moderate Severity Ineligible for Recanalization

• Ryu WS
• Yoon HS
• Jeong SW
• Kim DE

• KMID: 2520413
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3988/jcn.2021.17.4.516

Abstract

Background and Purpose
The impact of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense vessels (FHVs) on outcomes in patients ineligible for recanalization therapy with large-vessel occlusion (LVO) is unclear. We investigated the impact of FHVs determined using the FHV– Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) on clinical outcomes in patients with LVO stroke of mild-to-moderate severity ineligible for recanalization therapy.
Methods
Sixty-eight consecutive patients with M1-middle cerebral artery occlusion who underwent magnetic resonance imaging within 24 hours of symptom onset and were ineligible for recanalization were included. Patients were dichotomized into a severe-FHV group (FHV-ASPECTS ≤4; n=33) and a mild-FHV group (FHV-ASPECTS >4; n=35), and multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationships of FHV scores with early neurological deterioration (END) and an unfavorable 3-month outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≥3).
Results
Mean age was 66.2±13.5 years (mean±SD), and 30 (44%) were female. The severe-FHV group had a larger infarct volume (median, 5.5 mL vs. 3 mL) and more frequently exhibited the susceptibility vessel sign (30% vs. 3%) than the mild-FHV group. Ipsilateral old nonlacunar infarct was more frequent in the mild-FHV group than in the severe-FHV group (37% vs. 15%). The severe-FHV group had a fivefold higher risk of END (odds ratio [OR] 5.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36–18.45) and unfavorable outcome (OR 5.97, 95% CI 1.18–33.31, p=0.03) compared with the mild-FHV group.
Conclusions
Greater FHV extent was associated with higher risk of END and unfavorable outcome in patients with LVO stroke of mild-to-moderate severity.

Keyword

cerebral infarction; magnetic resonance imaging; hyperintense vessel sign