Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke with Isolated M2 Occlusion

An analysis of three randomized and two nonrandomized studies suggests that some of these patients might benefit from thrombectomy.

Current guidelines recommend endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for select patients with anterior circulation strokes and clots located in the distal internal carotid artery or proximal (M1 portion) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Whether patients with isolated M2 occlusions derive benefit from EVT is unclear, especially if thrombolytics are administered. These authors analyzed three randomized and two nonrandomized studies to explore the benefit of EVT with isolated distal (M2) occlusions. The primary outcome was functional independence (90-day modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2).

Overall, 517 patients (EVT 195, medical management 322) were included. EVT patients were younger (71 years vs. 75 years) and had more-severe strokes (median NIH S…

Reviewing Author

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke with Isolated M2 Occlusion

Topics

Reviewing Author