Intra-Arterial Alteplase Thrombolysis during Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background Intra-arterial alteplase (IA tPA) is commonly used during mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke in patients with large-vessel occlusion, but specific indications and applications for its use remain undefined. Methods We analyzed 40 patients who underwent stent-retriever mechanical thrombectomy, 28 of whom received adjunctive IA tPA. To our knowledge, this is the largest cohort with this concomitant treatment reported in the literature in the post-mechanical thrombectomy trial era. Results Between patients with and without IA tPA, rates of hemorrhagic conversion, neurologic outcome, and mortality were equivalent, with a trend toward improved angiographic revascularization observed in the IA tPA group. Conclusions IA tPA is a safe adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy, and more investigation is warranted to understand ideal indications and dosage methodologies.