Assessment of arterial collateralization and its relevance to intra-arterial therapy for acute ischemic stroke

Evidence from recent randomized controlled studies comparing intra-arterial (IA) therapy with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator highlighted the mismatch between recanalization success and clinical outcomes in patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke. There is emerging interest in the impact of arterial collateralization, as determined by leptomeningeal anastomoses (LMAs), on the treatment outcomes of IA therapy. The system of LMA constitutes the secondary network of cerebral collateral circulation apart from the Circle of Willis. Both anatomic and angiographic studies confirmed significant interindividual variability in LMA. This review aims to outline the current understanding of arterial collateralization and its impact on outcomes after IA therapy for acute ischemic stroke, underpinning the possible role of arterial collateralization assessment as a selection tool for patients most likely to benefit from IA therapy.