Prediction of thrombus resolution after intravenous thrombolysis assessed by CT-based thrombus imaging

Thromb Haemost. 2012 Apr;107(4):786-94. doi: 10.1160/TH11-08-0585. Epub 2012 Feb 8.

Abstract

The degree of thrombus resolution directly indicates the effectiveness of a thrombolytic drug. We investigated the degree of thrombus resolution and factors associated with thrombus resolution after intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) using thin-section noncontrast computed tomography (NCT). Thin-section NCTs were performed before and immediately after IV rt-PA infusion in acute stroke patients. The thrombus volume and Hounsfield unit were measured using three-dimensional imaging software. Immediate recanalisation was assessed immediately after IV rt-PA infusion using CT angiography. During a three-year study period, 130 patients were prospectively enrolled. On baseline thin-section NCT, no thrombi were found in 30 patients (23%). Among the 100 patients with confirmed thrombus, the median volume decreased by 20% on the follow-up NCT. The thrombus was completely resolved in 8%. Of note, an increase in thrombus volume was observed in 20 patients. Independent predictors of thrombus resolution were total rt-PA dose, thrombus location in the M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery, and time from baseline to follow-up NCT. Thrombus resolution increased by 9% per each 10-mg increase in rt-PA (p = 0.045). Immediate complete recanalisation was achieved in 12% of patients. Total dose of rt-PA was independently associated with complete recanalisation [odds ratio [OR] 4.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.345-15.184) and good functional outcome at three months (modified Rankin scale score <3, OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.104-4.962). In conclusion, rt-PA dose was associated with the degree of thrombus resolution, immediate complete recanalisation, and good outcome at three months. CT-based thrombus imaging may be helpful in determining thrombolysis effectiveness.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Middle Cerebral Artery / pathology
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Odds Ratio
  • Prospective Studies
  • Software
  • Stroke / pathology
  • Thrombolytic Therapy / methods*
  • Thrombosis / therapy*
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator / metabolism
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*

Substances

  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator