Comparison of DWI-ASL Mismatch and Collaterals for Predicting Clinical Outcome in Patients with Subacute Ischemic Stroke

As a contrast agent-free MR imaging, ASL will not cause contrast agent-associated nephrotoxicity and allergic reaction. However, low image resolution makes it time-consuming and difficult for clinicians to quantify hypoperfusion volumes using ASL. We developed an automatic and robust algorithm to quantify core-penumbra mismatch based on DWI-ASL. Furthermore, models were built with clinical and/or imaging features and their performances in predicting prognosis of subacute stroke patients were evaluated. When combining infarct location and collaterals with NIHSS, but not mismatch ratio, the model can predict prognosis of subacute stroke patients the best. Therefore, this may add benefits to delayed intervention.