Perfusion Imaging Score to Predict Delayed Cerebral Ischemia

Perfusion Imaging Score to Predict Delayed Cerebral Ischemia

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a significant public health concern, annually affecting over 30,000 Americans and ranking among the leading causes of stroke-related life-years lost in individuals aged 65 and younger. Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), occurring in 20% to 40% of aSAH survivors, is a major contributor to brain injury and disability. Timely recognition of DCI is crucial for improving neurological outcomes and preventing irreversible cerebral infarction. However, current methods have substantial limitations, hindering early and reliable detection. This proposal seeks to address these challenges through determining the ability of perfusion imaging to predict DCI and correlate with neurological and neuropsychological outcomes.

Patients with a diagnosis of aSAH and no early radiologic vasospasm on admission demonstrated by DSA will receive a CT Perfusion (CTP) scan within 48 hours of aSAH symptom onset. The researchers seek to determine whether these baseline scans will identify perfusion parameters predictive of DCI. At 12-months mark post-hemorrhage, neurological and neuropsychological tests will be conducted to determine whether perfusion imaging correlates with neurological and neuropsychological outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age >18 years with a diagnosis of aSAH

Exclusion Criteria:

• chronic kidney disease stage IV
• pregnancy
• allergy to iodine that precludes CTP
• subjects with significant aphasia, blindness, or other factors that limit their participation in the cognitive assessment