Pulsatility index: Insights into post-stroke haemodynamics

Acute ischaemic stroke is a leading cause of acquired disability globally, with millions of patients afflicted each year. Fast and efficient recanalization therapies have revolutionized long-term patient outcomes. However, a substantial fraction of patients does not regain complete functional independence, despite undergoing timely and successful recanalization. Although various alterations in cerebral haemodynamics have been reported in both animal and clinical studies, the underlying mechanisms are complex and remain to be fully elucidated. In this mini-review, we summarize the current understanding of pulsatile haemodynamics in occlusion-reperfusion and emphasize the potential value of pulsatility assessment as a biomarker with prognostic and diagnostic value in the clinic. Keywords: stroke, MRI, neuroanatomy, neuroimaging, neuropathology