{
  "abstract": "Background: We evaluated imaging features associated with early neurological deterioration (END) after acute isolated pontine infarction (AIPI).\n\nMethods: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from their inception to 3 August 2026. We included observational studies of adults with imaging-confirmed AIPI that assessed imaging findings before the onset of neurological deterioration. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were pooled separately using restricted maximum-likelihood random-effects models with Hartung–Knapp adjustment; infarct size was summarized using standardized mean differences (SMDs). Heterogeneity, influence, prediction intervals, and small-study effects were assessed when feasible.\n\nResults: A total of 29 studies were included, of which 14 contributed to at least one meta-analysis. Ventral surface extension/branch atheromatous disease (BAD) morphology was associated with END in the unadjusted analysis (9 studies; OR 3.96, 95% CI 2.33–6.74; I ² = 52.8%) and in the adjusted analysis (7 studies; OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.37–7.26; I ² = 43.4%). Lower pontine location (2 studies; adjusted OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.27–4.84) and basilar artery (BA) stenosis (3 studies; adjusted OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.27–3.57) were also associated with END, although these estimates were based on a small number of studies. Infarct size was not significantly associated with END (3 studies; SMD 1.10, 95% CI − 0.43 to 2.64; I ² = 90.7%). Egger’s test indicated evidence of small-study effects in the only analysis, including at least 10 studies ( p = 0.010).\n\nConclusion: Ventral surface extension/BAD morphology was most consistently associated with END. Evidence for lower pontine location and basilar artery stenosis was limited. Standardized prospective validation is needed.\n\nSystematic review registration: [ https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ ], identifier [CRD420261475990].",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Neurology Department, The First People's Hospital of Guangyuan"
  ],
  "article_type": null,
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 4,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Feng Guo"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Xiaorong Liu"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Jia Chen"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Chenkai Yangyang"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/f69sxxafps2hh.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.3389/fneur.2026.1966356",
  "fulltext_url": null,
  "id": "f69sxxafps2hh",
  "issns": [
    "1664-2295"
  ],
  "landing_url": "https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2026.1966356/full",
  "language": null,
  "licence": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "licence_label": "CC BY 4.0",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [],
  "openalex": null,
  "pdf_url": null,
  "pmcid": null,
  "pmid": null,
  "published": "2026-11-02",
  "publisher": "Frontiers Media SA",
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/f69sxxafps2hh.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-11-02T12:24:08Z",
      "native_id": "10.3389/fneur.2026.1966356",
      "source": "crossref",
      "url": "https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2026.1966356/full"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "medicine",
      "origin": "issn:1664-2295",
      "subfield": "neurology"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Neuroimaging markers associated with early neurological deterioration in acute isolated pontine infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis",
  "title_text": "Neuroimaging markers associated with early neurological deterioration in acute isolated pontine infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-11-04T00:26:58Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/f69sxxafps2hh",
  "venue": "Frontiers in Neurology",
  "versions": []
}