Mechanisms and markers for hemorrhagic transformation after stroke

Abstract

Intracerebral hemorrhagic transformation is a multifactorial phenomenon in which ischemic brain tissue converts into a hemorrhagic lesion with blood vessel leakage. Hemorrhagic transformation can significantly contribute to additional brain injury after stroke. Especially threatening are the thrombolytic-induced hemorrhages after reperfusion therapy with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), the only treatment available for ischemic stroke. In this context, it is important to understand its underlying mechanisms and identify early markers of hemorrhagic transformation, so that we can both search for new treatments as well as predict clinical outcomes in patients. In this review, we discuss the emerging mechanisms for hemorrhagic transformation after stroke, and briefly survey potential molecular, genetic, and neuroimaging markers that might be used for early detection of this challenging clinical problem. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.