Hemorrhagic Conversion of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide; a serious complication of ischemic stroke is hemorrhagic transformation. Current treatment of acute ischemic stroke includes endovascular thrombectomy and thrombolytic therapy. Both of these treatment options are linked with increased risks of hemorrhagic conversion. The diagnosis and timely management of patients with hemorrhagic conversion is critically important to patient outcomes. This review aims to discuss hemorrhagic conversion of acute ischemic stroke including discussion of the pathophysiology, review of risk factors, imaging considerations, and treatment of patients with hemorrhagic conversion.

Automated summary

Stroke is a major cause of illness and death worldwide, and hemorrhagic transformation is a serious complication of ischemic stroke. Current treatments for acute ischemic stroke, such as endovascular thrombectomy and thrombolytic therapy, increase the risk of hemorrhagic conversion. The timely diagnosis and management of patients with hemorrhagic conversion are crucial for patient outcomes. This review aims to discuss the pathophysiology, risk factors, imaging considerations, and treatment of hemorrhagic conversion in acute ischemic stroke.