Acute Ischemic Stroke in Pregnancy: A Practical Focus on Neuroimaging and Reperfusion Therapy

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy increases the risk of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) among young women and is responsible for about 5% of maternal deaths and significant disability. Concerns of potential adverse events of imaging and reperfusion therapies in this group of patients can lead to a substantial delay or omission of treatment that can significantly worsen outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to discuss main concerns of diagnosis and therapy of pregnant patients with AIS regarding neuroimaging and reperfusion treatment. RESULTS: The cumulative radiation dose of computed tomography (CT)-based entire diagnostic procedure (noncontrast CT, CT-angiography and CT-perfusion) is estimated to be below threshold for serious fetal radiation exposure adverse events. Similarly, magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-based imaging is thought to be safe as long as gadolinium contrast media are avoided. The added risk of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and mechanical thrombectomy during pregnancy is thought to be very low. Nevertheless, some additional safety measures should be utilized to reduce the risk of radiation, contrast media and hypotension exposure during diagnostic procedures or reperfusion treatment. CONCLUSION: Fetal safety concerns should not preclude routine diagnostic work-up (except for gadolinium contrast media administration) in childbearing AIS women, including procedures applied in unknown onset and late onset individuals. Due to rather low added risk of serious treatment complications, pregnancy should not be a sole contraindication for neither IVT, nor endovascular treatment.