Collateral Status Evaluation Using CT Angiography and Perfusion Source Images in Acute Stroke Patients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Single-phase CT angiography (sCTA) is widely used to assess collateral circulation in acute ischemic stroke, but its static nature can lead to an underestimation of collateral flow. Our study aimed to develop and validate a direct, qualitative dynamic CTA (dCTA) collateral score based on CTP source images, without the need for post-processing software, to provide a more accurate prognostic tool. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 112 patients with anterior circulation ischemic stroke from a prospective registry who underwent non-contrast CT, sCTA, and CTP within 8 h of onset. Collateral circulation was graded using a 4-point sCTA score and our novel 4-point dCTA score, which incorporates temporal filling patterns. We used linear regression to compare the association of both scores with CTP-derived core/hypoperfusion volumes, infarct growth, and final infarct volume. RESULTS: = 0.36 vs. 0.32). Similar superior correlations for dCTA were observed for hypoperfusion, infarct growth, and final infarct volumes. Critically, only the dCTA score significantly modified the association between core volume and time since stroke onset (p for interaction = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: A collateral score derived from CTP source images (dCTA) offers a more reliable prediction of infarct lesion sizes and progression than conventional sCTA. By incorporating temporal resolution without requiring extra software, dCTA provides a robust correlation with stroke temporal evolution and represents a readily implementable tool to enhance patient selection in acute stroke.