EVT Significantly Improves Outcomes in Large-Volume Strokes

Background: The role of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is beneficial and has been established in small and moderate ischemic cores; patients with large ischemic core, defined as ASPECTS (Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score) of ≤5 or cerebral perfusion imaging with cerebral blood flow (CBF) compromise of ≤30% in a brain volume of ≥50 mL, were excluded from these trials. Recently, 6 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the use of EVT for treating large core infarcts with ASPECTS 3 to 5 and core volumes >50 mL. Objective: To review and analyze RCTs comparing functional outcomes defined by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and adverse events. Design: Systemic review and meta-analysis. Methods: 2 reviewers used separate excel spreadsheets to extract data from these studies. Supplementary materials were used for missing data from primary articles. The primary outcome was median score on a mRS within 90 days. Secondary outcomes included functional independenc more...