Arterial Steal to the Penumbra Area in Patients with Acute MCA Occlusion: A Quantitative Angiographic Analysis

Purpose: In acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, collateral vessels provide retrograde supply to the occluded territory. We hypothesized that such collateral flow reduces perfusion of the non-occluded donor region (steal effect). Materials and Methods: Patients with an MCA occlusion with opacification of both ipsi- and contralateral anterior cerebral arteries (ACA) on angiography prior to endovascular treatment were selected. Arteriovenous transit time (AVTT) for both ACA territories was compared for different grades of collateral supply to the MCA territory. In addition, the influence of diabetes and hypertension was analyzed. After successful revascularization, AVTT was re-assessed to determine reversibility. Results: Forty-one patients were analyzed. An AVTT of 8.6 seconds (standard deviation [SD] 2.4 seconds) was seen in the ACA territory of the affected hemisphere in comparison to 6.6 seconds (SD 2.1 seconds) for the contralateral side (P<0.001). A more prolonged (but not significant) AVTT was seen in cases with a higher collateral grade. No difference in AVTT was seen in patients with diabetes or hypertension. After successful MCA revascularization, AVTT delay was 7.4 seconds (SD 2.1 seconds). Conclusion: A cerebral steal effect occurs in patients with an acute MCA occlusion, probably related to augmented flow to the penumbra area.