Exploring Between-Study Heterogeneity in Extended-Window IV Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of 18 Randomized Controlled Trials.

Of the 18 included randomized controlled trials, 11 required advanced perfusion imaging (CTP or MRP mismatch) or diffusion-weighted imaging/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery mismatch to confirm salvageable tissue; the remaining 7 permitted noncontrast CT/CT angiography-based selection.

IV thrombolysis was associated with significantly greater odds of reduced disability across the full mRS spectrum (common OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.07-1.32; p = 0.004).