Outcome of intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke patients with small vessel disease

Introduction: Lacunar stroke (LS) subtype accounts for a quarter of ischemic strokes. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is known to improve overall stroke outcomes. Very few studies have focused on the outcome of IVT in lacunar strokes. Aim: To detect the outcome of IVT in LS patients compared to non-thrombolysed LS patients. Methods: Fifty patients presenting with LS received the standard protocol of IVT (Group I). They were compared to fifty matched LS patients who presented beyond the time window and were selected as the control group (Group II). Clinical outcome was measured using NIHSS within 24 h, NIHSS at discharge, and MRS after 3 months. Risk factors that could have affected clinical outcomes were compared in the thrombolysis group. Results: The short-term clinical outcome of Group I showed statistically significant improvement of NIHSS after 24 hrs compared to Group II (mean NIHSS = 5.52+3.89 and 7.44+1.82 respectively), as well as on discharge (mean NIHSS = 3.88+3.50 and 5.78+2.97) respectively. For long-term outcomes, 94 % of GroupI reached MRS 0, 1, and 2 (n = 47/50) versus 74 % (n = 36/50) in Group II. Longer door-to-needle time, severe WMCs (Fazekas score), and pneumonia were shown to be significant predictor factors for the worst outcome. Conclusion: IVT has improved short- and long-term outcomes in LS patients. Longer door-to-needle time, severe WMCs, and pneumonia were shown to be significant predictor factors for the worst outcome.