Combination of Culprit Plaque Enhancement Ratio and Hypoperfusion Contributes to Outcomes of Patients with Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis

Motivation: The association between plaque characteristics, perfusion, collateral circulation, and the prognosis of ischemic stroke is unclear. Goal(s): The purpose of this study was to determine imaging factors associated with functional outcomes. Approach: 121 patients with ischemic stroke caused by MCA atherosclerosis were involved and grouped into patients with favourable functional outcomes and those with unfavourable functional outcomes. We performed a comprehensive assessment of plaque characteristics, perfusion and the state of collateral circulation. Results: We concluded that plaque characteristics and perfusion are correlated with the outcome of ischemic stroke, and that their combined assessment provides incremental value in predicting prognosis. Impact: Our study included more factors related to the outcome of ischemic stroke and improved the accuracy in predicting the 90-day functional outcome of patients with ischemic stroke. This improvement can inform the planning of future clinical interventions.