Defining Ischemic Core in Acute Ischemic Stroke Using CT Perfusion: A Multiparametric Bayesian-Based Model

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2019 Sep;40(9):1491-1497. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A6170. Epub 2019 Aug 14.

Abstract

Background and purpose: The Bayesian probabilistic method has shown promising results to offset noise-related variability in perfusion analysis. Using CTP, we aimed to find optimal Bayesian-estimated thresholds based on multiparametric voxel-level models to estimate the ischemic core in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Materials and methods: Patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke who had baseline CTP and achieved successful recanalization were included. In a subset of patients, multiparametric voxel-based models were constructed between Bayesian-processed CTP maps and follow-up MRIs to identify pretreatment CTP parameters that were predictive of infarction using robust logistic regression. Subsequently CTP-estimated ischemic core volumes from our Bayesian model were compared against routine clinical practice oscillation singular value decomposition-relative cerebral blood flow <30%, and the volumetric accuracy was assessed against final infarct volume.

Results: In the constructed multivariate voxel-based model, 4 variables were identified as independent predictors of infarction: TTP, relative CBF, differential arterial tissue delay, and differential mean transit time. At an optimal cutoff point of 0.109, this model identified infarcted voxels with nearly 80% accuracy. The limits of agreement between CTP-estimated ischemic core and final infarct volume ranged from -25 to 27 mL for the Bayesian model, compared with -61 to 52 mL for oscillation singular value decomposition-relative CBF.

Conclusions: We established thresholds for the Bayesian model to estimate the ischemic core. The described multiparametric Bayesian-based model improved consistency in CTP estimation of the ischemic core compared with the methodology used in current clinical routine.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Brain Ischemia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Ischemia / therapy
  • Cerebral Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Infarction / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Perfusion Imaging / methods*
  • Stroke / diagnostic imaging*
  • Stroke / therapy
  • Thrombectomy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome