Does thrombolysis benefit patients with favorable perfusion imaging 4.5–9 hours after stroke onset?

BEEM Bottom Line

Why is this study important?

Computed tomography (CT) perfusion and diffusion perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can differentiate salvageable from non-salvageable ischemic brain tissue by the presence of perfusion mismatch. Evidence of perfusion mismatch raises the possibility of benefit of reperfusion therapies beyond standard treatment windows. As some health centers may be exploring extending time windows to thrombolytic therapy based on evidence of perfusion mismatch with either CT perfusion or MRI, physicians, patients, and families should be aware of the risks and benefits of these strategies.

Which, if any, threats to validity are most likely to have an impact on the results and how?

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