ECASS III criteria
Also written as: ECASS III — European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study III
European stroke trial criteria for extended-window thrombolytic therapy selection.
Full Definition
ECASS III (European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study III) criteria established the evidence base for extending the thrombolytic treatment window for acute ischemic stroke from 3 to 4.5 hours after symptom onset. These criteria include specific inclusion and exclusion parameters such as age restrictions, stroke severity measures, and medical comorbidities. ECASS III criteria are more restrictive than earlier protocols, excluding patients over 80 years, those with NIHSS scores greater than 25, and patients with diabetes plus prior stroke history. Clinical documentation must specify which ECASS criteria version is being referenced and justify treatment decisions based on these parameters.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify 'III' to distinguish from earlier ECASS trials. Include rationale for inclusion or exclusion based on criteria.
In Context
- "The patient met ECASS III criteria and received alteplase at 4 hours and 15 minutes after symptom onset." — stroke center documentation
- "Thrombolytic therapy was contraindicated as the patient did not satisfy ECASS III criteria due to age and comorbidity factors." — emergency neurology consultation