Is Non-Contrast CT powered by AI the definitive future of acute stroke triage?

At LINNC Paris 2026, Raul Nogueira challenges conventional imaging protocols, arguing that advanced modalities often cause workflow delays, exclusion fallacies, and over-selection in acute ischemic stroke triage.

Raul Nogueira advocates for non-contrast CT as sufficient for early large vessel occlusion (LVO) cases, emphasizing that excessive advanced imaging can delay treatment and exclude patients who may benefit. The debate also addresses the relevance of CT perfusion and MRI in guiding intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), with recent trials suggesting that advanced imaging may be unnecessary for EVT but remains valuable for IVT decisions.

AI-Automated Net Water Uptake (NWU)

The concept of net water uptake, quantified through AI, emerges as a promising biomarker for stroke prognosis and treatment decisions:

• True tissue fate: Accurately distinguishes pan-necrotic tissue from viable, salvable ischemic brain.
• Independent effect modifier: Identifies thresholds where reperfusion benefit drops, predicting malignant edema and hemorrhagic risks.

Watch the full talk to learn more about AI-Driven NCCT vs Advanced Imaging!