Early plasma D-dimer as a predictor of acute intracranial atherosclerosis-related large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Background Intracranial atherosclerosis-related large vessel occlusion (ICAS+LVO) poses an important technical challenge for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Purpose To evaluate the value of D-dimer in predicting ICAS+LVO alone and in combination with other clinical and imaging predictors. Material and Methods Consecutive patients who underwent EVT at our center between January 2018 and June 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified to the ICAS+LVO or ICAS–LVO group according to angiographic findings. Collateral gradings were evaluated based on computed tomography angiography and categorized as follows: score 0–1 unfavorable collaterals and score 2–3 favorable collaterals. Receiver operating characteristic curve was analyzed to evaluate the predictive value of D-dimer and the combination of other predictors for ICAS+LVO. Results A total of 374 patients were enrolled, among them, 107 (28.6%) had an ICAS+LVO, while ICAS–LVO was determined in 267 (71.4%) patients. Median D-dimer levels were lower (0.36 vs. 1.18 mg/L; P < 0.001) while the proportion of favorable collaterals was higher (85.0% vs. 22.5%; P < 0.001) in the ICAS+LVO group than the ICAS–LVO group. After multivariable analysis, D-dimer (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.21–0.50; P < 0.001) and collaterals (adjusted OR=16.25, 95% CI=7.58–34.84; P < 0.001) remained independent predictors of ICAS+LVO. The area under the curve of D-dimer, collaterals, and combination for identification of ICAS+LVO was 0.82, 0.85, and 0.92, respectively. Conclusion Low early plasma D-dimer levels are a significant and independent predictor of ICAS+LVO, and predictive value strengthens when in a combined model using D-dimer and collateral grading.