Susceptibility-weighted imaging for cerebral microbleed detection in super-acute ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis

Abstract

SWI revealed higher CMB incidence and clinical improvement in recombinant tissue plasminogen activator IV thrombolysis-treated super-acute ischemic stroke patients, suggesting that CMBs may indicate vascular re-canalization/reperfusion. Thus, SWI can be applied to extend individual patient windows for thrombolytic treatment beyond general recommendations of treatment within 3 hours, allowing treatment up to 12 hours from stroke onset.