Latest Review Date: September 2021

Category:  Radiology                                                            

Effective for dates of service on or after March 13, 2022, refer to: PET, MRI, MRA, CT, CTA/CCTA (Advanced Imaging Guidelines)

POLICY:

CT-based perfusion imaging may be considered medically necessary in select patients with anterior large-vessel stroke for mechanical embolectomy.

CT-based perfusion imaging of the brain is considered investigational for all other indications.

(Please see MP# 263- Endovascular Procedures for Intracranial Arterial Disease (Atherosclerosis and Aneurysm for criteria related to mechanical embolectomy)

DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE OR SERVICE:

Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging provides an assessment of cerebral blood flow that may help identify ischemic regions of the brain. This technology is proposed to aid treatment decisions in patients being evaluated for acute ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral vasospasm, brain tumors, and head trauma.

Acute Stroke

The goal of acute stroke thrombolytic treatment is to rescue the ischemic penumbra, an area of brain that surrounds the infarct core and is hypo-perfused but does not die quickly. Multimodal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to assess the cerebral parenchyma, vasculature, and tissue viability in the acute ischemic stroke setting, and are used to detect ischemic tissue, and exclude hemorrhage and other conditions that mimic acute cerebral ischemia.

Non-contrast CT is used to rule out intracranial hemorrhage, tumor or infection. Diffusion-weighted MRI is used to identify acute infarction, and a gradient-recalled echo (GRE) sequence is used to exclude intracerebral hemorrhage.

CT angiography (CTA) and MR angiography (MRA) are used to evaluate intra-and extra-cranial vasculature to detect the vascular occlusion and potentially guide therapy (e.g., intravenous thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy).

The approved thrombolytic therapy, an intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), requires only a non-contrast CT scan to exclude the presence of hemorrhage (a contraindication to the use of the drug). Current guidelines are to administer (tPA) within the first three hours after an ischemic event, preceded by a CT scan. Many patients, however, do not present to the emergency room within the three-hour window, and thrombolysis carries a risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Thus, more sophisticated imaging may be needed to inform the proper use of intra-arterial thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy in patients who present more than three hours after an ischemic stroke. Perfusion imaging is also being evaluated in the management of other neurological conditions, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage and head trauma.

The potential utility of perfusion imaging of acute stroke is as follows:

• Identification of brain regions with extremely low cerebral blood flow, which represents the core;

• Identification of patients with at-risk brain regions (acutely ischemic but viable penumbra) that may be salvageable with successful intra-arterial thrombolysis beyond the standard three-hour window;

• Triage of patients with at-risk brain regions to other available therapies, such as induced hypertension or mechanical clot retrieval;

• Decisions regarding intensive monitoring of patients with large abnormally perfused brain regions;

• Biologically-based management of patients who awaken with a stroke for which the precise time of onset is unknown.

Additional potential uses of CT perfusion (CTP) in acute stroke may include the following:

• detection and differential diagnosis (e.g., excluding stroke mimics such as transient ischemic attack, complex migraine, seizure, conversion disorders, hypoglycemia, or brain tumors);

• determination of stroke subtype;

• determination of stroke extent including additional vascular territories at risk;

• identification of patients at high early risk for stroke following transient ischemic attack;

• determining the need for blood pressure management;

• establishing prognosis

Similar information can be provided by CT and MRI regarding infarct core and penumbra. However, multimodal CT has a short protocol time (5-6 min), and because it can be performed with any modern CT equipment, is more widely available in the emergency department setting. CT perfusion (CTP) is performed by capturing images as an iodinated contrast agent bolus passes through the cerebral circulation and accumulates in the cerebral tissues. (Older perfusion methodologies such as single-photon emission CT [SPECT] and xenon-enhanced CT [XeCT] scanning use a diffusible tracer.) The quantitative perfusion parameters are calculated from density changes for each pixel over time with commercially available deconvolution-based software, in which cerebral blood flow (CBF) is equal to regional cerebral blood volume (CBV) divided by mean transit time (MTT). CT angiography and CTP imaging require ionizing radiation and iodinated contrast. It is estimated that a typical CT perfusion deposits a slightly greater radiation dose than a routine unenhanced head CT (~ 3.3 mSv).

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Cerebral Vasospasm

Cerebral vasospasm is a major cause of morbidity and mortality following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (ASAH) in patients who survive the initial hemorrhage and can be seen in about two-thirds of patients with ASAH. The typical onset of cerebral vasospasm occurs at three to five days after hemorrhage, with maximal narrowing on digital subtraction angiography at 5-14 days. Currently, the diagnosis of vasospasm and the management decisions rely on clinical examination, transcranial Doppler sonography, and digital subtraction angiography. Although symptomatic vasospasm affects 20% to 30% of patients with ASAH, not all patients with angiographic vasospasm manifest clinical symptoms and the symptoms can be nonspecific. Also, patients do not always have both clinical and imaging findings of vasospasm. Due to these limitations, more accurate and reliable methods to detect cerebral vasospasm are being investigated.

Brain Tumors

The current standard for tumor grading is histopathologic assessment of tissue. Limitations of histologic assessment include sampling error due to regional heterogeneity and interobserver variation. These limitations can result in inaccurate classification and grading of gliomas. Because malignant brain tumors are characterized by neovascularity and increased angiogenic activity, perfusion imaging has been proposed as a method to assess tumor grade and prognosis. In addition, perfusion imaging can be repeated and may help to assess the evolution of tumors and the treatment response. Traditionally, perfusion imaging of brain tumors has been performed with MRI, which can estimate tumor blood volume, blood flow, and permeability. More recently, CT perfusion has been investigated for glioma grading. Potential advantages, compared with magnetic resonance perfusion, include the wider availability, faster scanning times, and lower cost. CTP imaging may also be useful in distinguishing recurrent tumor from radiation necrosis.

KEY POINTS:

The most recent literature update was performed through July 27, 2021.

Summary of Evidence

Acute Stroke

For individuals who have acute stroke who are being evaluated for thrombolysis who receive CTP imaging, the evidence includes a systematic review with meta-analysis, an RCT and cohort studies. Relevant outcomes are overall survival, test accuracy, symptoms, morbid events, and functional outcomes. One potential area of benefit is greater individualization of therapy for acute stroke by better defining at risk ischemic areas that may benefit from thrombolysis. Evidence from nonrandomized comparative studies has suggested that outcomes after thrombolysis are better in patients who have target mismatch on perfusion imaging than in patients without target mismatch and that patients with target mismatch treated after a three-hour time window have outcomes similar to patients treated within three hours. However, the therapeutic changes that would be associated with identifying specific target mismatch pattern on CTP are not well-defined. Additionally, although available evidence from the RCT suggests some modest benefit for acute stroke patients who receive CTP or MRI and receive alteplase up to nine hours post-stroke, the overall net health outcome is unclear because there was no significant benefit on the secondary outcome of functional improvement and a trend toward increased risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. There were important limitations in relevance and potential limitations in statistical power. Therefore, randomized controlled trials are needed to determine with greater certainty whether a strategy employing CTP imaging improves health outcomes compared with traditional strategies for the treatment of acute stroke. The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.

For individuals who have acute anterior large-vessel stroke who are being evaluated for mechanical embolectomy who receive CTP imaging, the evidence includes a randomized controlled trial and cohort studies. Relevant outcomes are overall survival, test accuracy, symptoms, morbid events, and functional outcomes. CTP is one of several approaches used in acute stroke to define viable ischemic tissue better and therefore may benefit from mechanical endovascular intervention. Alternative methods of patient selection for mechanical embolectomy have included time from stroke onset, multiphase computed tomography angiography, or Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score. Three randomized controlled trials showed improved outcomes with mechanical embolectomy when patients were selected based on CTP results within 6 hours, at 6 to 16 hours, and at 6 to 24 hours. The evidence is sufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.

For individuals who have acute stroke who are being evaluated for prognosis who receive CTP imaging, the evidence includes retrospective analyses of large randomized trials. Relevant outcomes are OS, test accuracy, symptoms, morbid events, and functional outcomes. Retrospective analysis of data from the MR CLEAN and DUST studies have found that the ischemic core detected on CTP imaging was predictive of functional outcomes. However, analysis of data from the DUST study found no improvement in a prediction model when CTP imaging was added to a basic model that used only patient characteristics and NCCT. The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage 

For individuals who have suspected subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebral vasospasm who receive CTP imaging, the evidence includes a prospective study. Relevant outcomes are overall survival, test accuracy, symptoms, morbid events, and functional outcomes. CTP imaging is being evaluated for the diagnosis of vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. One prospective study showed a qualitative measure of cerebral blood flow to have 93% accuracy for the detection of delayed cerebral ischemia, with lower accuracy for cerebral blood volume. Prospective trials are needed to determine whether CTP imaging in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage leads to the early identification of patients at high risk for vasospasm or delayed cerebral ischemia, alters treatment decisions, and improves health outcomes. The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.

Brain Tumors

For individuals who have brain tumors who receive CTP imaging, the evidence includes studies on diagnostic accuracy. Relevant outcomes are test accuracy, symptoms, morbid events, and functional outcomes. The data on CTP imaging are limited. One study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of CTP imaging to differentiate high-grade from low-grade gliomas. Prospective studies in an appropriate population of patients are needed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of CTP glioma grading, with histopathologic assessment of tumors as the independent reference standard. One prospective study performed receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of volume perfusion computed tomography. This is the first report using volume perfusion computed tomography to differentiate gliomas; therefore, replication of these findings in an independent sample of patients is needed as well as clarification of the clinical utility of this information. Studies showing the consistency in the thresholds used are needed as are studies showing improvement in health outcomes with CTP imaging. No recent reports on the use of CTP imaging for the evaluation of brain tumors have been identified. The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.

Practice Guidelines and Position Statements

American Heart Association and American Stroke Association

The 2012 American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA) joint guidelines for the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage recommend that perfusion imaging with CT or MR can be useful to identify regions of potential brain ischemia (Class IIa; Level of Evidence B). The guidelines state that there are emerging data that perfusion imaging, demonstrating regions of hypoperfusion, may be more accurate for identification of delayed cerebral ischemia than anatomic imaging of arterial narrowing or changes in blood flow velocity by transcranial Doppler. The guidelines concluded that CTP imaging is a promising technology, although repeat measurements are limited by the risks of dye load and radiation exposure.

The AHA and ASA 2013 guidelines on the early management of adults with ischemic stroke recommend that CTP and magnetic resonance perfusion, and diffusion imaging, including measures of infarct core and penumbra, may be considered for selecting patient for acute reperfusion therapy beyond IV fibrinolytic time windows. The guidelines state that these techniques provide additional information that may improve diagnosis, mechanism, and severity of ischemic stroke and permit more informed clinical decision making (Class IIb, Level of Evidence B).

The AHA and ASA (2019) revised their joint 2018 statement on the use of CTP for the early management of adults with ischemic stroke. Table 1 summarizes the new recommendations that were made.

Table 1. Guidelines Recommendations on Use of Computed Tomography Perfusion

CT: computed tomography; CTP: computed tomography perfusion; DW-MRI: diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging; IV: intravenous; LO B: level of benefit; LOE: level of evidence; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging; RCT; randomized controlled trial; SOR

American Society of Neuroradiology et al

In 2013, the American Society of Neuroradiology, the American College of Radiology, and the Society of Neuro-Interventional Surgery issued a joint statement on imaging recommendations for acute stroke and transient ischemic attack patients. The following statements were made regarding perfusion imaging:

• “In acute stroke patients who are candidates for endovascular therapy, vascular imaging (CTA, MRA, DSA)  [digital subtraction angiography]) is strongly recommended during the initial imaging evaluation. Perfusion imaging may be considered to assess the target tissue “at risk” for reperfusion therapy. However, the accuracy and usefulness of perfusion imaging to identify and differentiate viable tissue have not been well-established.”

• “Determination of tissue viability based on imaging has the potential to individualize thrombolytic therapy and extend the therapeutic time window for some acute stroke patients. Although perfusion imaging has been incorporated into acute stroke imaging algorithms at some institutions, its clinical utility has not been proved.”

• “It is important to note that perfusion imaging has many applications beyond characterization of the penumbra and triage of patients to acute revascularization therapy. These applications include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) improving the sensitivity and accuracy of stroke diagnosis (in some cases, a lesion on PCT [perfusion CT] leads to more careful scrutiny and identification of a vascular occlusion that was not evident prospectively, particularly in the M2 and more distal MCA branches); 2) excluding stroke mimics; 3) better assessment of the ischemic core and collateral flow; and 4) prediction of hemorrhagic transformation and malignant edema.”

In 2017, ACR, ASNR, and the Society for Pediatric Radiology revised their joint practice parameter on the performance of computed tomography perfusion in neuroradiologic imaging. The primary indications for CTP imaging of the brain were described as acute neurologic change suspicious for stroke, suspected vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage, and cerebral hemorrhage with secondary local ischemia. Secondary indications included follow-up of acute cerebral ischemia or infarction, to assist in planning and evaluating the effectiveness of therapy, in patients with a contraindication to MRI, in the setting of acute traumatic brain injury, and intracranial tumors. There were “little data” to support a role of brain CTP imaging in pediatric stroke.

American College of Radiology

American College of Radiology (ACR) Appropriateness Criteria, updated in 2016, provide the following ratings for head CTP imaging with contrast.

Table 2. Appropriateness of Head CTP Imaging with Contrast

Rating scale: 1,2,3 Usually not appropriate; 4,5,6 May be appropriate; 7,8,9 Usually appropriate.CTP: computed tomography perfusion.

The ACR also noted that computed tomography stroke protocols combining a brain noncontrast computed tomography, computed tomography angiography, and CTP might produce a relative radiation level of 1 to 10 mSv, and repeated use of this protocol in an individual patient might result in high radiation exposure to the scalp and eyes.

U.S. Preventative Services Task Force Recommendations

Not applicable.

KEY WORDS:

Computed tomography (CT), computed tomography perfusion (CTP), perfusion CT (PCT), acute stroke, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, anterior large vessel stroke, volume perfusion computed tomography(VPCT).

APPROVED BY GOVERNING BODIES:

Several postprocessing software packages (e.g., Siemens’ syngo® Perfusion-CT, GE Healthcare’s CT Perfusion 4, Philips Medical System’s Brain Perfusion Option) have been cleared for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use with a CT system to perform perfusion imaging. The software is being distributed with new CT scanners.

BENEFIT APPLICATION:

Coverage is subject to member’s specific benefits.  Group specific policy will supersede this policy when applicable.

ITS: Home Policy provisions apply

FEP contracts: Special benefit consideration may apply. Refer to member’s benefit plan. FEP does not consider investigational if FDA approved and will be reviewed for medical necessity.

CURRENT CODING:

CPT Codes:

REFERENCES:

1. Available online at: stroke.ahajournals.org/content/38/5/1655.full.pdf.
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3. American College of Radiology (ACR). ACR Appropriateness Criteria®: Cerebrovascular Disease. 2012. Available online at: www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Appropriateness-Criteria/Diagnostic.
4. American College of Radiology (ACR). ACR Appropriateness Criteria®: Cerebrovascular Disease. 2016; acsearch.acr.org/docs/69478/Narrative/. Accessed August 5, 2019.
5. American College of Radiology, American Society of Neuroradiology, Society for Pediatric Radiology. ACR- ASNR-SPR practice parameter for the performance of computed tomography (CT) perfusion in neuroradiologic imaging. 2017;https://www.acr.org/-/media/ACR/Files/Practice-Parameters/ct-perfusion.pdf?la=en.
6. American College of Radiology, American Society of Neuroradiology, Society for Pediatric Radiology. ACR-ASNR-SPR practice parameter for the performance of computed tomography (CT) perfusion in neuroradiologic imaging. 2014; www.acr.org/~/media/D541B09581DB46A0A89AC6543646B156.pdf. Accessed August 5, 2019.
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8. Bivard A, Levi C, Krishnamurthy V, et al. Perfusion computed tomography to assist decision making for stroke thrombolysis. Brain. Jul 2015; 138(Pt 7): 1919-1931.
9. Bivard A, Spratt N, Levi C et al. Perfusion computer tomography: imaging and clinical validation in acute ischaemic stroke. Brain. Nov 2011; 134(Pt 11):3408-3416.
10. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center (TEC). Endovascular treatments for acute ischemic stroke. TEC Assessments. 2015; Volume 30 (in press).
11. Borst J, Berkhemer OA, Roos YB, et al. Value of computed tomographic perfusion-based patient selection for intra-arterial acute ischemic stroke treatment. Stroke. Dec 2015; 46(12):3375-3382.
12. Brenner David J and Hall Eric J. Computed tomography—an increasing source of radiation exposure.  NEJM 2007; 357: 2277-2284.
13. Burton KR, Dhanoa D, Aviv RI, et al. Perfusion CT for selecting patients with acute ischemic stroke for intravenous thrombolytic therapy. Radiology. Jan 2015; 274(1):103-114.
14. Campbell BC, Mitchell PJ, Kleinig TJ, et al. Endovascular therapy for ischemic stroke with perfusion-imaging selection. N Engl J Med. Mar 12 2015; 372(11):1009-1018.
15. Connolly ES, Jr., Rabinstein AA, Carhuapoma JR et al. Guidelines for the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/american Stroke Association. Stroke. Jun 2012; 43(6):1711-37. 2012/05/05. Available online at:
16. Cremers CH, van der Schaaf IC, Wensink E, et al. CT perfusion and delayed cerebral ischemia in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage:  a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. Feb 2014; 34(2): 200-207.
17. Dani KA, Thomas RG, Chappell FM et al. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance perfusion imaging in ischemic stroke: definitions and thresholds. Ann Neurol 2011; 70(3):384-401.
18. Dankbaar JW, Horsch AD, van den Hoven AF, et al. Prediction of clinical outcome after acute ischemic stroke: the value of repeated noncontrast computed tomography, computed tomographic angiography, and computed tomographic perfusion. Stroke. Sep 2017; 48(9):2593-2596.
19. De Muynck E, Huybrechts V, Hemelsoet D, et al. CT Perfusion as a Selection Tool for Mechanical Thrombectomy, a Single-Centre Study. J Belg Soc Radiol. Jan 20 2020; 104(1): 3.
20. Garcia-Bermejo P, Calleja Al, Perez-Fernandez S, et al. Perfusion computed tomography-guided intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke beyond 4.5 hours: a case-control study. Cerebrovasc Dis. 2012; 34(1):31-37.
21. Goyal M, Demchuk AM, Menon BK, et al. Randomized assessment of rapid endovascular treatment of ischemic stroke. N Engl J Med. Mar 12 2015; 372(11):1019-1030.
22. Greenberg ED, Gold R, Reichman M et al. Diagnostic accuracy of CT angiography and CT perfusion for cerebral vasospasm: a meta-analysis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. Nov 2010; 31(10):1853-1860.
23. Haussen DC, Dehkharghani S, Rangaraju S, et al. Automated CT Perfusion Ischemic Core Volume and Noncontrast CT ASPECTS (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score): Correlation and Clinical Outcome Prediction in Large Vessel Stroke. Stroke. Sep 2016; 47(9):2318-2322.
24. Jain R. Perfusion CT imaging of brain tumors: an overview. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. Oct 2011; 32(9):1570-7.
25. Jauch EC, Saver JL, Adams HP, Jr., et al. Guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. Mar 2013; 44(3): 870-947.
26. Lansberg MG, Christensen S, Kemp S, et al. Computed tomographic perfusion to Predict Response to Recanalization in ischemic stroke. Ann Neurol. Jun 2017; 81(6):849-856.
27. Liebeskind DS, Parsons MW, Wintermark M, et al. Computed tomography perfusion in acute ischemic stroke: is it ready for prime time? Stroke. Aug 2015; 46(8):2364-2367.
28. Lin L, Bivard A, Krishnamurthy V, et al. Whole-brain CT perfusion to quantify acute ischemic penumbra and core. Radiology. Jun 2016; 279(3):876-887.
29. Ma H, Campbell BCV, Parsons MW et al. Thrombolysis Guided by Perfusion Imaging up to 9 Hours after Onset of Stroke. N. Engl. J. Med., 2019 May 9; 380(19).
30. Medina-Rodriguez M, Millan-Vazquez M, Zapata-Arriaza E, et al. Intravenous Thrombolysis Guided by Perfusion CT with Alteplase in 4.5 Hours from Stroke Onset. Cerebrovasc Dis. Jul 02 2020: 1-6.
31. Nogueira RG, Jadhav AP, Haussen DC et al. Thrombectomy 6 to 24 Hours after Stroke with a Mismatch between Deficit and Infarct. N. Engl. J. Med., 2017 Nov 14; 378(1).
32. Nogueira RG, Haussen DC, Liebeskind D, et al. Stroke Imaging Selection Modality and Endovascular Therapy Outcomes in theEarly and Extended Time Windows. Stroke. Jan 2021; 52(2): 491-497.
33. Obach V, Oleaga L, Urra X et al. Multimodal CT-assisted thrombolysis in patients with acute stroke: a cohort study. Stroke. Apr 2011; 42(4):1129-1131.
34. Powers WJ, Derdeyn CP, Biller J, et al. 2015 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association focused update of the 2013 guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke regarding endovascular treatment: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. Oct 2015; 46(10):3020-3035.
35. Powers WJ, Rabinstein AA, Ackerson T, et al. 2018 guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. Mar 2018;49(3):e46-e110.
36. Powers WJ, Rabinstein AA, Ackerson T, et al. Guidelines for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: 2019 Update to the 2018 Guidelines for the Early Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. Dec 2019; 50(12): e344-e418.
37. Rai AT, Raghuram K, Domico J et al. Pre-intervention triage incorporating perfusion imaging improves outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular stroke therapy: a comparison with the device trials. J Neurointerv Surg. Mar 2013; 5(2): 121-127.
38. Sanelli PC, Jou A, Gold R et al. Using CT perfusion during the early baseline period in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage to assess for development of vasospasm. Neuroradiology. Jun 2011; 53(6):425-434.
39. Sanelli PC, Ugorec I, Johnson CE et al. Using quantitative CT perfusion for evaluation of delayed cerebral ischemia following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. Dec 2011; 32(11):2047-2053.
40. Saver JL, Goyal M, Bonafe A, et al. Solitaire with the intention for thrombectomy as primary endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke (SWIFT PRIME) trial: protocol for a randomized, controlled, multicenter study comparing the Solitaire revascularization device with IV tPA with IV tPA alone in acute ischemic stroke. Int J Stroke. Apr 2015; 10(3):439-448.
41. Schaefer PW, Souza L, Kamalian S, et al. Limited reliability of computed tomographic perfusion acute infarct volume measurements compared with diffusion-weighted imaging in anterior circulation stroke. Stroke. Feb 2015; 46(2):419-424.
42. Sheth KN, Terry JB, Nogueira RG et al. Advanced modality imaging evaluation in acute ischemic stroke may lead to delayed endovascular reperfusion therapy without improvement in clinical outcomes. J Neurointerv Surg. May 2013; 5 Suppl 1:i62-65.
43. Starnoni D, Maduri R, Hajdu SD, et al. Early Perfusion Computed Tomography Scan for Prediction of Vasospasm and Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. World Neurosurg. Oct 2019; 130: e743-e752.
44. Stecco A, Fabbiano F, Amatuzzo P et al. Computed tomography perfusion and computed tomography angiography in vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage. J Neurosurg Sci, 2016 Apr 29; 62(4).
45. Sun H, Ma J, Liu Y, et al. CT Perfusion for Identification of Patients at Risk for Delayed Cerebral Ischemia during the Acute Phase after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Meta-analysis. Neurol India. Sep-Oct 2019; 67(5): 1235-1239.
46. Sztriha LK, Manawadu D, Jarosz J et al. Safety and clinical outcome of thrombolysis in ischaemic stroke using a perfusion CT mismatch between 3 and 6 hours. PLoS One 2011; 6(10):e25796.
47. Vanicek J, Cimflova P, Bulik M et al. Single-Centre Experience with Patients Selection for Mechanical Thrombectomy Based on Automated Computed Tomography Perfusion Analysis-A Comparison with Computed TomographyCT Perfusion Thrombectomy Trials. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis, 2019 Jan 19; 28(4).
48. van Seeters T, Biessels GJ, Kappelle LJ, et al. The prognostic value of CT angiography and CT perfusion in acute ischemic stroke. Cerebrovasc Dis. 2015; 40(5-6):258-269.
49. van Seeters T. Biessels GJ, van der Schaaf IC, et al. Prediction of outcome in patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke with CT perfusion and CT angiography: the Dutch acute stroke trial (DUST) study protocol. BMC Neurol. 2014; 14:37.
50. Wintermark M, Sanelli PC, Albers GW, et al. Imaging recommendations for acute stroke and transient ischemic attack patients: a joint statement by the American Society of Neuroradiology, the American College of Radiology, and the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. Nov-Dec 2013; 34(11): E117-127.
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POLICY HISTORY:

Medical Policy Group, September 2004 (3)

Medical Policy Administration Committee, October 2004

Available for comment October 15-November 29, 2004

Medical Policy Group, September 2006 (1)

Medical Policy Group, December 2007 (1)

Medical Policy Group, December 2008 (2)

Medical Policy Group, May 2010 (1): Policy updated, no coverage changes

Medical Policy Panel, September 2012

Medical Policy Group, September 2012 (1): Update to Descriptions, Key Points and References; no change to policy statement

Medical Policy Panel, August 2013

Medical Policy Group, March 2014 (3):  2013 Update to Description, Key Points & References; no change in policy statement

Medical Policy Panel, August 2014

Medical Policy Group, August 2014 (3):  2014 Updates to Key Points & References; no change in policy statement

Medical Policy Panel, September 2015

Medical Policy Group, September 2015 (3):  2015 Updates to Key Points & References; no change in policy statement

Medical Policy Panel, October 2015

Medical Policy Group, February 2016 (3): 2015 updates to Key Points and References; Policy statement added for CT-based perfusion imaging to meet medical criteria for coverage; another statement added for CT-based perfusion imaging investigational in all other situations

Medical Policy Administration Committee, February 2016

Available for comment February 10 through March 25, 2016

Medical Policy Panel, October 2016

Medical Policy Group, November 2016 (3): 2016 Updates to Key Points & References; no change in policy statement.

Medical Policy Panel, September 2017

Medical Policy Group, October 2017 (3): 2017 Updates to Title, Description, Key Points & References; No change in policy statement.

Medical Policy Panel, September 2018

Medical Policy Group, October 2018 (3): Updates to Key Points, Approved by Governing Bodies, References and Key Words: Added: anterior large vessel stroke, volume perfusion computed tomography (VPCT), and CTP. No changes to policy statement.

Medical Policy Panel, September 2019

Medical Policy Group, October 2019 (3): 2019 Updates to Key Points and References. No changes to policy statement or intent.

Medical Policy Panel, September 2020

Medical Policy Group, October 2020 (3): 2020 Updates to Description, Key Points, Practice Guidelines and Position Statements, and References. No changes to policy statement or intent.

Medical Policy Panel, September 2021

Medical Policy Group, September 2021 (3): Updates to Description, Key Points, Practice Guidelines, Coding and References. Policy statement updated to remove “not medically necessary,” no change to policy intent.

Medical Policy Group, January 2022 (2): Verbiage added to policy to refer to AIM guidelines for coverage criteria effective for dates of service March 13, 2022 and after.

This policy is intended to be used for adjudication of claims (including pre-admission certification, pre-determinations, and pre-procedure review) in Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s administration of plan contracts.This medical policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits, or a contract. Eligibility and benefits are determined on a case-by-case basis according to the terms of the member’s plan in effect as of the date services are rendered. All medical policies are based on (i) research of current medical literature and (ii) review of common medical practices in the treatment and diagnosis of disease as of the date hereof. Physicians and other providers are solely responsible for all aspects of medical care and treatment, including the type, quality, and levels of care and treatment.

The plan does not approve or deny procedures, services, testing, or equipment for our members. Our decisions concern coverage only. The decision of whether or not to have a certain test, treatment or procedure is one made between the physician and his/her patient. The plan administers benefits based on the member’s contract and corporate medical policies. Physicians should always exercise their best medical judgment in providing the care they feel is most appropriate for their patients. Needed care should not be delayed or refused because of a coverage determination.

As a general rule, benefits are payable under health plans only in cases of medical necessity and only if services or supplies are not investigational, provided the customer group contracts have such coverage.

The following Association Technology Evaluation Criteria must be met for a service/supply to be considered for coverage:

1. The technology must have final approval from the appropriate government regulatory bodies;

2. The scientific evidence must permit conclusions concerning the effect of the technology on health outcomes;

3. The technology must improve the net health outcome;

4. The technology must be as beneficial as any established alternatives;

5. The improvement must be attainable outside the investigational setting.

Medical Necessity means that health care services (e.g., procedures, treatments, supplies, devices, equipment, facilities or drugs) that a physician, exercising prudent clinical judgment, would provide to a patient for the purpose of preventing, evaluating, diagnosing or treating an illness, injury or disease or its symptoms, and that are:

1. In accordance with generally accepted standards of medical practice; and

2. Clinically appropriate in terms of type, frequency, extent, site and duration and considered effective for the patient’s illness, injury or disease; and

3. Not primarily for the convenience of the patient, physician or other health care provider; and

4. Not more costly than an alternative service or sequence of services at least as likely to produce equivalent therapeutic or diagnostic results as to the diagnosis or treatment of that patient’s illness, injury or disease.