Proof-of-concept study shows Cerebrolysin improves recovery in patients with hypoperfusion after thrombectomy, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Background and aims Successful mechanical thrombectomy (EVT) does not always translate into functional independence, often due to residual hypoperfusion -“No Flow” phenomena. This proof-of-concept study investigated whether Cerebrolysin, in previous studies showing to promote neuroprotection and neuroplasticity, could improve outcomes in patients with less favorable post-EVT perfusion imaging profiles. Methods We prospectively evaluated 18 patients (N=18) who underwent EVT for large vessel occlusion and received IV Cerebrolysin post-procedure. Baseline demographics, vascular risk factors, and clinical severity (NIHSS) were recorded. Post-EVT CT Perfusion was performed to assess residual Ischemic Core (rCBF < 30%) and Hypoperfusion (Tmax > 6s). The primary outcome was functional recovery at follow-up (mRS) and neurological improvement (final NIHSS). Results Patients had a mean age of 69.8 (56% female) with a typical risk factor profile. Patients presented with a median admission NIHSS of 15 and Post-EVT imaging revealed a median residual hypoperfusion (Tmax > 6s) of 4.63 ml and a median ischemic core of 0.5 ml. Despite this "less favorable" perfusion profile a low final median NIHSS of 3.5 and functional independence (mRS <3) was achieved in 33.3% of patients. A strong correlation was observed between the post-EVT ischemic core and the final mRS (ρ= 0.80), and core volumes > 1 ml were found to be a robust predictor of poor functional outcomes (mRS >2). Conclusions This proof-of-concept study showed that Cerebrolysin may facilitate neurological recovery in patients with "high-risk" imaging category. These results suggest that Cerebrolysin may protect "at-risk" tissue within residual hypoperfused zones, potentially decoupling neurological recovery from unfavorable post-procedural perfusion parameters. Conflict of interest I have recieved a reaseach Grant from Everpharm
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Eichel et al. (2026) studied this question.
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