Background
Endovascular thrombectomy has emerged in the last decade to be the gold standard of care for acute ischemic stroke. Access and utilization of EVT has been bigger and better but only in developed countries. In Southeast Asia where majority of countries belong to low-middle income countries, not much data has been documented.
Aims
To determine the functional outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy among patients with acute large vessel infarct admitted in a Philippine tertiary hospital from 2018 to 2023.
Methods
Patients included were all those who underwent endovascular thrombectomy from the period of September 2018 until April 2023, beyond the age of 18, diagnosed with acute ischemic infarct secondary to large vessel occlusion (Internal Carotid Artery, proximal segment of the Middle Cerebral Artery and/or Basilar Artery), as evidenced by neuroimaging. Patients excluded were those who underwent endovascular thrombectomy without available data at 90-day MRS or with unavailable charts.
Results
Favorable outcome at 90 days post-intervention were seen in 14 (25%) patients. Median MRS on admission was significantly higher than MRS 90-days post-intervention, but not significantly different with MRS on discharge. Median MRS on discharge was significantly higher than MRS 90-days post-intervention indicating further improvement in functional outcome during the follow-up at 90 days.
Conclusion
Despite being in a low to middle income country, EVT still should be offered to those eligible for this therapy as it provides a better chance for stroke recovery.