Association of blood pressure and outcomes differs upon cerebral perfusion post-thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND: The relationship between post-endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) blood pressure (BP) and outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains contentious. We aimed to explore whether this association differs with different cerebral perfusion statuses post-EVT. METHODS: In a multicenter observational study of patients with AIS with large vessel occlusion who underwent EVT, we enrolled those who accepted CT perfusion (CTP) imaging within 24 hours post-EVT. We recorded post-EVT systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP. Patients were stratified into favorable perfusion and unfavorable perfusion groups based on the hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR) on CTP. The primary outcome was good functional outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale score of ≤3). Secondary outcomes included early neurological deterioration, infarct size growth, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. RESULTS: Of the 415 patients studied (mean age 62 years, 75% male), 233 (56%) achieved good functional outcomes. Logistic regression showed that post-EVT HIR and 24-hour mean SBP were significantly associated with functional outcomes. Among the 326 (79%) patients with favorable perfusion, SBP <140 mmHg was associated with a higher percentage of good functional outcomes compared with SBP ≥140 mmHg (68% vs 52%; aOR 1.70 (95% CI 1.00 to 2.89), P=0.04). However, no significant difference was observed between SBP and functional outcomes in the unfavorable perfusion group. There was also no discernible difference between SBP and secondary outcomes across the different perfusion groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with favorable perfusion post-EVT, SBP <140 mmHg was associated with good functional outcomes, which underscores the need for further investigations with larger sample sizes or a more individualized BP management strategy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR1900022154.