Clinical software for unsupervised automated net water uptake analysis predicts futile recanalization in acute ischemic stroke - Report - MDSpire

Clinical software for unsupervised automated net water uptake analysis predicts futile recanalization in acute ischemic stroke

  • By

  • Abdallah Aburub

  • Oussama Dob

  • Mariana Gurschi

  • Yashar Aghazadeh

  • Jumana Jaber

  • Zaid Al-Tamimi

  • Zaid Samhan

  • Lars Timmermann

  • Christopher Nimsky

  • Peter Sporns

  • Gabriel Broocks

  • André Kemmling

  • July 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Automated Analysis of Net Water Uptake Predicts FR in Stroke

Overview

This study evaluates the predictive value of automated net water uptake (NWU) measured via non-contrast CT in identifying futile recanalization (FR) in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT).

Background

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is the standard treatment, yet many patients experience poor outcomes despite successful recanalization, termed futile recanalization (FR). Identifying reliable biomarkers to predict FR is crucial for improving patient management and outcomes.

Data Highlights

ParameterFR (n=29)Non-FR (n=62)p-value
Age (years)81.6 ± 8.376.9 ± 10.70.044
NIHSS Score16 [13–20]9.5 [6–15]<0.001
NWU (%)21.9 [7.0–29.4]3.0 [0.5–7.3]<0.001

Key Findings

  • 68.1% of patients achieved recanalization with a favorable 90-day mRS score (0–4).
  • 31.9% of patients met the criteria for futile recanalization (mRS score 5–6).
  • Older age and higher NIHSS scores were associated with FR.
  • NWU was significantly higher in FR cases compared to non-FR cases.
  • NWU remained an independent predictor of FR in multivariable models.

Clinical Implications

Automated measurement of NWU on admission CT can serve as a prognostic tool in assessing the likelihood of futile recanalization in AIS patients.

Conclusion

Automated NWU is a strong predictor of futile recanalization and 90-day disability in acute ischemic stroke.

Related Resources & Content

  1. European Radiology, 2025 -- Automated Assessment of Net Water Uptake in Acute Ischemic Stroke Utilizing Non-Contrast CT Imaging
  2. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Clinical multidimensional prediction model for futile reperfusion in acute ischemic stroke after endovascular thrombectomy
  3. Stroke, 2026 -- 2026 Guideline for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
  4. European Radiology — Forecasting Lesion Recovery in Acute Cerebral Ischemia Using Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Thresholds from Diffusion-Weighted MRI
  5. European Radiology — Collateral Mapping: Forecasting Lesion Expansion and Penumbral Area Following Acute Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke
  6. 2026 Guideline for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Guideline From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association | Stroke
  7. Systematic evaluation of predictive models for futile recanalization before thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke
  8. Net water uptake as a predictive neuroimaging marker for acute ischemic stroke outcomes: a meta-analysis - PubMed

Original Source(s)

Clinical software for unsupervised automated net water uptake analysis predicts futile recanalization in acute ischemic stroke

  • by Abdallah Aburub, Oussama Dob, Mariana Gurschi, Yashar Aghazadeh, Jumana Jaber, Zaid Al-Tamimi, Zaid Samhan, Lars Timmermann, Christopher Nimsky, Peter Sporns, Gabriel Broocks, André Kemmling

  • July 8, 2026

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