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.