Predictors of futile recanalization after intravenous thrombolysis in stroke patients transferred for endovascular treatment

: Some patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) achieve insufficient clinical improvement (futile recanalization, FR) after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) during inter-hospital transfer for thrombectomy, while others show good outcomes (effective recanalization, ER). This study assessed FR and ER rates among patients treated with IVT at non-thrombectomy primary stroke centers (PSCs) and aimed to identify predictors of FR. We analyzed data from two PSC registries (2016-2022). Inclusion criteria: IVT treatment, anterior circulation LVO, NIHSS ≥ 6, ASPECTS ≥ 5, and documented recanalization at thrombectomy centers. FR was defined as a 90-day poor outcome (mRS 3-6) despite LVO recanalization on initial angiography. Among 190 PSC patients with documented recanalization post-IVT, 113 (59.5%) had FR. Multivariable analysis identified age (OR = 1.03, 95%CI = 1.01-1.07, p = 0.021), NIHSS at the PSC (OR = 1.13, 95%CI = 1.05-1.22, p = 0.026), and collateral status (OR = 0.54, 95%CI = 0.39-0.75, p = 0.001) as independent predictors of FR and 90-day mortality. A model combining age, NIHSS, and collateral score provided the highest predictive accuracy for FR and mortality. FR is common in LVO-related ischemic stroke treated with IVT at non-thrombectomy centers. FR is common in LVO-related ischemic stroke treated with IVT at non-thrombectomy centers. Identifying predictors of FR can guide clinicians in early decision-making, allowing for tailored interventions and informed discussions about expected outcomes, potentially leading to more optimized patient management.The GOTIC-VTE trial Unique identifier, jRCTs031180124; Registration date, April 06, 2017.