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Association of Ischemic Core Hypodensity With Thrombectomy Treatment Effect in Large Core Stroke: A Secondary Analysis of the SELECT2 Randomized Controlled Trial

Vignan Yogendrakumar, Bruce C. V. Campbell, H. Johns, L. Churilov, Felix C. Ng, Clark W. Sitton, A. Hassan, Michael G. Abraham et al.

Stroke, 2025

322 participants · 11 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine whether extensive severe computed tomography (CT) hypodensity, representing blood-brain barrier injury, would be associated with a reduced benefit of endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients presenting with large core stroke. METHODS: This study is an exploratory analysis of SELECT2 (Randomized Controlled Trial to Optimize Patient’s Selection for Endovascular Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke), a randomized controlled trial of EVT versus medical management in patients with large ischemic core who presented to 31 comprehensive stroke centers across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Visible CT hypodensity was outlined, and a threshold of severe CT hypodensity was defined as the lower 99% CI of contralateral thalamic gray matter in Hounsfield units (HU). The association between the volume of severe CT hypodensity and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 to 3 was evaluated using logistic regression models, with adjustment for age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, total noncontrast CT core volume, and a volume-by-treatment interaction. The relationship between severe CT hypodensity volume and the probability of an mRS score of 0 to 3 was used to select clinically relevant volume cut points for further evaluation. The treatment effect of EVT versus medical management on independent ambulation and hemicraniectomy was assessed in 2 subgroups based on these volume cut points. RESULTS: In 322 patients, the…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a secondary / pooled analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 322 participants or records.

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