Emerging issues in acute ischemic stroke

In this update we review studies on a wide range of topics, from diagnostic aspects of acute stroke to the clinical implications of the complex interaction between the brain and the immune system. Recent randomized trials and observational studies have reinforced the effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis with t-PA in patients that qualify for this treatment, including patients presenting with mild symptoms or on subtherapeutic oral anticoagulation. Despite all the negative studies on the endovascular treatment of acute stroke, the utility of newer mechanical thrombectomy devices in patients with stroke and large vessel occlusion is being assessed in ongoing clinical trials. In addition to the various revascularization therapies that have a limited time window, treatments aimed at protecting the neurovascular unit may be used in more patients if their efficacy is confirmed in humans, and experimental studies suggest that the modulation of specific aspects of the immune system may increase the likelihood of successful recovery after cerebral ischemia.