Efficacy and safety outcomes of endovascular versus best medical treatment in posterior cerebral artery occlusion stroke

BACKGROUND: The management of acute ischemic stroke due to isolated posterior cerebral artery occlusion (iPCAO) remains a topic of debate. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment (EVT) versus best medical treatment (BMT) in patients with iPCAO. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Controlled studies comparing EVT and BMT in patients with iPCAO were selected. The primary efficacy outcome assessed was excellent outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-1. The primary safety outcome was symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Secondary outcomes included functional independence (mRS 0-2), early neurological improvement (ENI), and mortality rates. Statistical analyses were conducted using random effects models. RESULTS: Eleven retrospective cohort studies involving 1811 patients with EVT and 2871 patients with BMT were analyzed. Compared with BMT, EVT was associated with a higher likelihood of an excellent outcome (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.33, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.54) and ENI (aOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.39 to 1.98), but no significant difference in functional independence (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.18). Compared with BMT, EVT may not be associated with an increased risk of sICH in patients with iPCAO (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 0.60 to 3.02) or mortality (aOR 1.31, 95% CI 0.83 to 2.08), although heterogeneity was high. CONCLUSIONS: EVT may improve the likelihood of an excellent outcome and ENI in patients with iPCAO. However, the potential risks of sICH and mortality warrant consideration. Randomized trials are required to establish the definitive efficacy and safety of EVT in this patient population.