Clinical Report: Investigating the Variability and Influencing Factors of APVS

Overview

This study examines the changes of the asymmetric prominent vessel sign (APVS) in patients with atherosclerotic acute ischemic stroke. Findings indicate that APVS extent decreased or disappeared in most patients after treatment, with specific factors influencing its evolution.

Background

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a major global health concern, characterized by high rates of morbidity and mortality. The asymmetric prominent vessel sign (APVS), detectable via susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), may provide insights into vascular status. Understanding APVS dynamics could enhance assessments in AIS.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• APVS extent decreased in 58.8% of patients after treatment.
• Complete disappearance of APVS occurred in 17.6% of patients.
• Patients with significant APVS changes had larger baseline and post-treatment infarct volumes.
• A higher proportion of severe vascular stenosis was observed in the significant change group.
• No significant differences in early neurological deterioration or 90-day mRS scores between groups were found.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate that APVS changes are influenced by infarct volume and vascular stenosis. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between APVS and clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

The study highlights the variability of APVS in response to treatment in atherosclerotic AIS patients, with specific clinical and imaging factors influencing its evolution.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Impact of cerebral small vessel disease burden and systemic clinical phenotypes on short-term neurological outcomes after acute ischemic stroke
2. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Napkin-ring sign plaques are associated with clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke after endovascular therapy
3. European Radiology, 2023 -- Collateral Mapping: Forecasting Lesion Expansion and Penumbral Area Following Acute Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke
4. Acute Ischemic Stroke Resources | American Stroke Association
5. European Radiology — Impact of Plaque Features on Long-Term Stroke Recurrence in Individuals with Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease: A Cohort Study Utilizing 3D High-Resolution MRI
6. Prognostic value of susceptibility-weighted imaging of prominent veins in acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
7. Acute Ischemic Stroke Resources | American Stroke Association
8. https://synapse.koreamed.org/upload/synapsexml/1183jos/pdf/jos-2025-01431.pdf