Retrospective study of endovascular treatment for sICAS shows no significant difference in 30-day stroke or death between early and delayed groups.

This retrospective single-center study evaluated 174 analyzed patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis and acute cerebral infarction who underwent endovascular treatment. The population consisted of consecutive sICAS patients undergoing intervention, with comparisons based on timing: early versus delayed procedures. The setting reflected real-world practice, and the study phase was not reported.

The primary outcome assessed any stroke or death within 30 days, alongside 90-day mRS scores. Results indicated a 30-day stroke or death rate of 11.3% in the early group versus 8.3% in the delayed group, with a p-value of 0.521. For unfavorable 90-day outcomes, rates were 18.9% in the early group and 10.7% in the delayed group, with a p-value of 0.145. Neither difference reached statistical significance.

Independent factors influencing the decision on surgical timing included higher preoperative NIHSS, higher albumin-to-globulin ratio, and higher LDL. The odds ratios for these factors were 0.819, 0.149, and 0.394, respectively, with p-values of 0.027, 0.042, and 0.004. Safety data, including adverse events and tolerability, were not reported in this analysis.

Limitations inherent to the retrospective design and lack of randomization preclude causal conclusions regarding the impact of treatment timing. While the study provides real-world data, the absence of a specified comparator group and missing safety reporting restricts the ability to generalize findings or assess long-term tolerability. Clinicians should interpret these results cautiously when considering timing strategies for sICAS patients.