Abstract
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a time sensitive medical emergency and a leading cause
of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen
activator (IV alteplase) is currently the only proven effective medication for the
treatment of AIS with promising adjuvant medications currently under investigation.
Recent advances in endovascular thrombectomy have broadened therapeutic options in
specific patient populations, with modern treatment strategies utilizing advanced
imaging modalities to extend the window for treatment. In all cases, rapid treatment
remains a priority. The future of IV alteplase and the changing standard for treatment
of AIS remain unwritten with the increasing evidence for imaging selection for both
endovascular thrombectomy and IV alteplase, while novel adjuncts are under investigation.
In this article, we review the history of IV alteplase investigations for stroke,
evidence for thrombectomy as an adjunct to IV alteplase, and the potential of novel
adjuvant therapeutics currently under investigation.
Keywords
stroke - ischemic - alteplase - thrombectomy - argatroban - eptifibatide