Abstract W P39: Internal Cerebral Vein Asymmetry on Follow-Up Brain CT after Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke is Associated With Poor Outcome

Background and aim: Identifying early predictors of functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is important for planning rehabilitation strategies. Internal cerebral veins (ICV) drain deep parts of brain, run parallel to each other and consistently seen on CTA. Even minor asymmetry in their filling can be identified. We hypothesized that venous drainage would be impaired in patients with acute occlusion of ICA or MCA. Since systemic thrombolysis can alter the vascular findings, we evaluated the relationship between ICV asymmetry on follow-up CTA and functional outcome. Methods: Consecutive AIS patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis between 2007 and 2010 were included. ICV asymmetry was assessed by 2 independent blinded stroke neurologists/ neuroradiologists. Functional outcome was assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3-months, dichotomized as good (0-1) and poor (2-6). Data were analyzed for predictors of functional outcome. Results: Of 2238 patients with AIS, 226 (10.1%) anterior ...