The cortical vein opacification score (COVES) is independently associated with DSA ASITN collateral score

Background: Pretreatment CTA-based Cortical Vein Opacification Score (COVES) has been shown to predict good functional outcomes at 90 days in patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO). This is thought to be related to its ability to measure collateral status (CS). However, its association with the reference standard test, the DSA-based American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (ASITN) collateral score, has yet to be established. Therefore, this study assesses the relationship between COVES and ASITN CS.

Methods: In this prospectively collected, retrospectively reviewed analysis, patients with anterior circulation LVO from September 1, 2017, to October 1, 2023, were included. The COVES grading, which ranges from 0 to 6, was independently assessed by two board-certified neuroradiologists. The ASITN CS was independently assessed by a board-certified neuroradiologist and the performing neurointerventionalist. Any discrepancies were resolved through consensus review. Spearman’s rank correlation, univariable logistic regression, multivariable logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered significant.

Results: In total, 311 consecutive patients (median, IQR=68 years [59-78 years]; 55.9% female) met our inclusion criteria. There was significant positive correlation between COVES and ASITN CS (ρ=0.41,p<0.001), and higher COVES was significantly and independently associated with good ASITN CS (unadjusted-OR=1.74,p<0.001) and adjusted-OR=1.73, p<0.001). ROC analysis showed AUC of 0.71, p<0.001).

Conclusion: In conclusion, by demonstrating the independent association of COVES with the reference standard test for collateral status assessment, the ASITN CS, we further validate the role of COVES in estimating collateral status.

ABBREVIATIONS: AIS: Acute ischemic stroke; ASITN: American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology; CS: Collateral status; COVES: Cortical Vein Opacification Score; HIR: Hypoperfusion Intensity Ratio; IVT: Intravenous thrombolysis; LVO: Large vessel occlusion; mRS: modified Rankin score; MT: mechanical thrombectomy; OR: odds ratio; aOR: adjusted odds ratio; ua: unadjusted odds ratio; rCBF: relative cerebral blood flow; Tmax: Time-to-Maximum