Crossed cerebellar diaschisis worsens the clinical presentation in acute large vessel occlusion

Abstract

Abstract Background and Purpose Initial NIHSS in anterior large vessel occlusion (LVO) correlates partially with the hypoperfusion volume. We aimed at assessing the contribution of crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD) from the hypo-perfused territory on LVO initial clinical deficit.MethodCCD was retrospectively identified by brain CT perfusion imaging (CTP) in patients with anterior LVO treated by mechanical thrombectomy (MT) from January 2017 to July 2021. CCD was defined by CTP parameters alteration in contralateral cerebellar hemisphere to the LVO. NIHSS, clinical/perfusion variables and CCD were included in regression models to assess their inter-relationships.Results206 patients were included. CCD was present in 90 patients (69%). NIHSS scores were higher on admission and at stroke discharge among patients with CCD (17.90 ± 6.1vs 11.4 ± 8.4, p <0.001; 9.6 ± 7.7 vs 6.6 ± 7.9, p = 0.049 respectively). Patients with a CCD had higher stroke volumes (118.2 ± 60.3 vs 69.3 ± 59.7, p<0.001) and lower rate of known atrial fibrillation (22 % vs 41%, p = 0.021). On multivariable logistic regression, CCD independently worsened initial NIHSS (OR 4.85 (2.37-7.33); p<0.001).ConclusionCCD is found in 69% of LVO on admission CTP, correlates with stroke volumes and independently worsens initial NIHSS.