Factors affecting pre- and post-stenting computed tomography perfusion in patients with middle cerebral artery stenosis

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting pre- and post-stenting head computed tomography perfusion (CTP) in patients with middle cerebral artery stenosis. A total of 25 patients with severe middle cerebral artery stenosis were enrolled. CTP was performed prior to and following stenting. Scores were allocated to the time-to-peak (TTP) parameter of CTP using the Alberta stroke program early computed tomography scoring (ASPECTS) scale. The factors possibly affecting pre- and post-stenting CTP were analyzed. All the patients exhibited markedly prolonged TTP on the affected side prior to stenting, compared with the healthy side. Following surgery, the TTP was improved in all patients. The preoperative ASPECTS score was negatively correlated with the degree of middle cerebral artery stenosis with a correlation coefficient of −5.78. The preoperative vascular stenosis rate was positively correlated with the improvement degree of the ASPECTS score with a correlation coefficient of 1.137 (P=0.001). TTP is a sensitive parameter for evaluating the effect of stenting on middle cerebral artery stenosis. TTP prior to and following stenting may be quantitatively assessed using the ASPECTS scale. Patients with serious stenosis and/or good collateral circulation are able to benefit more from stenting.