CT Perfusion Detects Tissue at Risk in Mild Stroke

Perfusion imaging adds prognostic information in patients with low National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores.

Category	Detail
Condition	Mild Acute Ischemic Stroke
Key Mechanisms	CT perfusion imaging to identify hypoperfusion and tissue at risk.
Target Population	Patients with mild acute ischemic stroke (NIHSS scores of 5 or less).
Care Setting	Multicenter hospitals in Australia and Indonesia.

22.9% of mild stroke patients showed hypoperfusion with Tmax + 6-second volumes of 15 mL or greater.
Poor functional outcomes at 90 days correlated with Tmax + 6-second volumes ≥ 15 mL.
Functional dependence (mRS scores of 3 to 6) occurred in 26% of patients with hypoperfusion vs 10% without.
Large-vessel occlusion present in 11.5% of mild stroke patients.
Independent predictors of poor outcomes include hypertension and large-vessel occlusion.

Monitor patients with Tmax + 6-second volumes ≥ 15 mL closely for potential interventions.

Consider risk factors such as atrial fibrillation and baseline stroke severity in management.

Patients with mild acute ischemic stroke presenting within 24 hours of symptom onset.

Early identification of patients at risk for neurological deterioration is crucial.

Implement standardized protocols for CT perfusion imaging to reduce variability.
Consider patient history and imaging results when assessing risk for poor outcomes.