In acute ischemic stroke management, endovascular therapy is considered within which context?

In acute ischemic stroke management, endovascular therapy is considered within which context?

• A. Only after tPA is given
• B. Within appropriate time windows
• C. Only if MRI shows diffusion restriction
• D. Not recommended

Answer: (B)

Endovascular therapy is guided by time and tissue. In acute ischemic stroke, it’s considered for patients who are within defined time windows and who have imaging showing salvageable brain tissue, such as a favorable perfusion-diffusion profile or other clear signs of a large vessel occlusion with viable tissue to rescue. This treatment approach can be used within standard time frames (and, in selected cases with appropriate imaging, extended up to 24 hours), and it can be performed with or without prior IV tPA depending on individual factors. It isn’t contingent on diffusion restriction alone on MRI, and it isn’t universally not recommended.

Endovascular therapy is guided by time and tissue. In acute ischemic stroke, it’s considered for patients who are within defined time windows and who have imaging showing salvageable brain tissue, such as a favorable perfusion-diffusion profile or other clear signs of a large vessel occlusion with viable tissue to rescue. This treatment approach can be used within standard time frames (and, in selected cases with appropriate imaging, extended up to 24 hours), and it can be performed with or without prior IV tPA depending on individual factors. It isn’t contingent on diffusion restriction alone on MRI, and it isn’t universally not recommended.