Tenecteplase for Late-Window Stroke Guided by DWI-FLAIR Mismatch

Current clinical guidelines recommend intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for eligible AIS patients within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. However, approximately 67 to 75% of patients present after 4.5 hours after stroke onset or with an unknown time of onset. CT perfusion (CTP) and perfusion-diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have demonstrated that potentially viable brain tissue may persist beyond 4.5 hours after stroke onset. Recent trials, such as EXTEND, TRACE III, and the HOPE study, suggest that IVT can improve functional outcomes in AIS patients with salvageable brain tissue identified beyond 4.5 hours and up to 24 hours, using advanced perfusion imaging. Nonetheless, due to the high cost of perfusion software in developing countries, extended-window thrombolysis has not been widely implemented in many stroke centers. Therefore, it is crucial to develop alternative strategies to guide IVT in patients beyond 4.5 hours.

In recent years, the mismatch between a visible acute ischemic lesion on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and the absence of a corresponding hyperintensity on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) has been recognized as a predictor of symptom onset within 4.5 hours before imaging. The WAKE-UP trial demonstrated that among AIS patients with unknown time of onset (last known well >4.5 hours) and DWI-FLAIR mismatch, IVT administered within 4.5 hours after symptom recognition significantly improved functional outcomes. However, approximately 30% of AIS patients exhibit DWI-FLAIR mismatch between 4.5 and 9 hours after onset. Whether these patients can benefit from thrombolysis remains uncertain.

TRUST-MISMATCH is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical. We want to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tenecteplase administered 4.5-9 hours after stroke onset (defined as the time the patient was first found with symptoms, including wake-up stroke and unwitnessed stroke) in AIS patients guided by DWI-FLAIR mismatch on MRI.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥ 18 years;
• AIS with symptom onset 4.5-9 hours before enrollment, including wake-up stroke and unwitnessed stroke (onset time defined as when symptoms were first noticed);
• Imaging criteria:

• DWI-FLAIR mismatch: visible lesion on DWI with no marked visible lesion on FLAIR;
• DWI infarct core not exceeding one-third of the middle cerebral artery territory, one-half of the anterior cerebral artery territory, or one-half of the posterior cerebral artery territory;
• NIHSS score 4-25;
• First-ever stroke or previous stroke without significant disability (pre-stroke mRS ≤ 1);
• Signed informed consent from the patient or legally authorized representative.

Exclusion criteria

• Planned endovascular treatment;
• Contradictory to MRI examination;
• MRI image not qualified for evaluation;
• Serious neurological deficits before onset (mRS≥2);
• Obvious head injuries or strokes within 3 months;
• Subarachnoid or intracranial hemorrhage;
• History of intracranial hemorrhage;
• Intracranial tumor, arteriovenous malformation or aneurysm;
• Intracranial or spinal cord surgery within 3 months;
• Active internal hemorrhage;
• platelet count of <100000/mm3;
• Aortic arch dissection;
• Heparin therapy within 24 hours;
• Oral warfarin is being taken and INR>1.6 or APTT abnormal;
• Oral anticoagulation therapy;
• Systolic pressure≥185 mmHg or diastolic pressure≥110 mmHg;
• Blood glucose < 50 mg/dl (2.7mmol/L);
• Pregnancy;
• Neurological deficit after epileptic seizures;
• Major surgery within 1 month;
• Gastrointestinal or urinary tract hemorrhage within the previous 30 days;
• Myocardial infarction within 3 months;
• Allergy to study drugs;
• Unlikely to adhere to the trial protocol or follow-up;
• Any condition that, in the judgment of the investigator could impose hazards to the patient if study therapy is initiated or affect the participation of the patient in the study;
• Participation in other interventional clinical trials within the previous 3 months.