Impact of complete recanalization on clinical recovery in cardioembolic stroke patients with M2 occlusion.

We investigated the impact of complete recanalization beyond partial recanalization in distal (M2) middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Data regarding M2 occlusion patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and/or intravenous thrombolysis (tPA) were reviewed from our prospective EVT registry and multicenter tPA (YAMATO study) data bank. Complete recanalization was modified thrombolysis with cerebral infarction score (TICI) of 3 at the end of EVT or similar appearances of both MCAs on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) within 1.5 h after tPA. Partial recanalization was defined as TICI ≥2b or > 50% recanalization on MRA. At 3 months, favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2. Data on 121 patients were analyzed. EVT-alone was in 38 patients; combined EVT and tPA in 28; and tPA-alone in 55. Complete recanalization was achieved in 27 (22%), partial recanalization in 48 (40%), and no-to-limited recanalization in 46 (38%). At 3 months, 51% of patients had favorable outcomes, and this rate was significantly higher in the complete recanalization group than in the partial and no-to-limited recanalization groups (75% vs. 41% vs. 49%, p =.043). Multivariate regression analysis showed that complete recanalization was an independent parameter related to favorable outcomes (odds ratio 4.78, 95% CI: 1.16–19.73, p =.030). However, combined complete and partial recanalization was not associated with favorable outcomes (odds ratio 1.49, 95% CI 0.53–4.22, p =.449). Complete recanalization, but not partial recanalization, at the end of EVT and tPA therapy is associated with favorable outcomes in patients with M2 occlusion. • Impact of rapid complete recanalization after EVT in M2 occlusion was evaluated. • EVT-alone was in 38; combined EVT and tPA in 28; and tPA-alone in 55 patients. • Favorable outcome was high as 75% in complete recanalization than others (41%; significant, and 49%; no-to-mild). • Complete recanalization was an independent parameter of favorable outcome. • Rapid complete but not significant recanalization is associated with favorable outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]