Mechanical Thrombectomy Window — SCE Neurology MCQ

Correct answer: D — A small infarct core with substantial salvageable penumbra

The best answer is “A small infarct core with substantial salvageable penumbra”. Late-window thrombectomy selection depends on evidence of limited irreversible injury with clinically important salvageable tissue, together with vessel, disability and time criteria; elapsed time alone is not sufficient. The alternatives “A completed large infarct with minimal residual penumbra”, “Diffuse cerebral oedema without a treatable arterial occlusion”, “A normal perfusion study despite persistent neurological deficit”, “An isolated small-vessel lacunar pattern without large-vessel occlusion” are clinically adjacent possibilities, but they do not match the defining chronology, localisation, physiology, investigation result or UK management sequence in this stem.

Reference: National Clinical Guideline for Stroke: acute care: https://www.strokeguideline.org/chapter/acute-care/