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Published in: Journal of Neurology 12/2006

01-12-2006 | ORIGINAL COMMUNICATION

Reasons to withhold intra-arterial thrombolysis in clinical practice

Authors: J. Isenegger, MD, K. Nedeltchev, MD, M. Arnold, MD, U. Fischer, G. Schroth, MD, L. Remonda, MD, H.P. Mattle

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 12/2006

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Abstract

Background

In selected stroke centers intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) is used for the treatment of acute stroke patients presenting within 6 hours of symptom onset. However, data about eligibility of acute stroke patients for IAT in clinical practice are very scarce.

Methods

We collected prospectively data on indications advising for or against IAT of 230 consecutive stroke patients in a tertiary stroke center.

Results

76 patients (33.0%) presented within 3 hours, 69 (30%) between 3 and 6 hours of symptom onset and 85 (37%) later than 6 hours. Arteriography was performed in 71 patients (31%) and IAT in 46 (20%). In 11 patients no or only peripheral branch occlusions were seen on arteriography and therefore IAT was not performed. In 9 patients the ICA was occluded and barred IAT and in five anatomical or technical difficulties made IAT impossible. 72 patients presenting within 6 hours did not undergo arteriography and thrombolysis, mostly because of mild (n = 44) or rapidly improving neurological deficits (n = 13). Other reasons to withhold IAT were CT and/or clinical findings suggesting lacunar stroke due to small vessel occlusion (n = 7), limiting comorbidty (n = 7) and baseline international normalized ratio > 1.7 (n = 1).

Conclusions

A third of the patients underwent diagnostic arteriography and one fifth received IAT. The most important reasons to withhold thrombolysis were presentation beyond the 6 hours time window and mild or rapidly improving symptoms.
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Metadata
Title
Reasons to withhold intra-arterial thrombolysis in clinical practice
Authors
J. Isenegger, MD
K. Nedeltchev, MD
M. Arnold, MD
U. Fischer
G. Schroth, MD
L. Remonda, MD
H.P. Mattle
Publication date
01-12-2006
Publisher
Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in
Journal of Neurology / Issue 12/2006
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-006-0220-1

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