Brain Attack Coalition 2026 Consensus: CT + CTA Essential at Stroke Centers, Advanced Imaging Recommended but Not Mandated

2026 Brain Attack Coalition consensus: Noncontrast CT and CT angiography are essential at Primary Stroke Centers; perfusion imaging and MRI strongly recommended but not required, preserving flexibility for resource-variable settings. AI may expedite workflow but needs cautious r…

• Multidisciplinary expert consensus (neuroradiology, neurology, interventional specialties, NIH) convened March 2026; reflects updated BAC recommendations based on latest literature review — not a prospective study.
• Additional topics addressed: perfusion imaging evidence, distal medium vessel occlusion (DMVO) neuroimaging, and pediatric stroke imaging considerations; AI was the most extensively deliberated topic, with consensus favoring a supportive rather than mandatory role.
• Key limitation: consensus-based rather than data-driven; recommendations intentionally broad to accommodate centers with varying resource levels, which may limit specificity for advanced-center practice.

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