Dynamic Changes in Oxygen Extraction Fraction as a Predictor of Long-Term Recovery in Ischemic Stroke Patients

Motivation: Predicting disease progression and clinical outcomes in stroke remains challenging. Oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), which assesses tissue viability, is a promising biomarker for predicting disease progression. Goal(s): To determine if OEF can predict long-term recovery outcomes in ischemic stroke patients and if OEF evolution differs between patients with good and poor recovery. Approach: We analyzed OEF at 1 days, 10 days, 1 months, and 3 months in 25 stroke patients. Results: OEF trajectories differed between good (mRS≤2) and poor (mRS>2) recovery groups. Clinical outcomes (mRS score at 3 months) were positively associated with initial OEF and negatively with initial OEF change. Impact: This study demonstrated the feasibility of QQ-based OEF mapping as a predictive tool for ischemic stroke recovery, enabling clinicians to integrate early OEF measurements into treatment decisions, potentially improving patient outcomes.