Hemorrhagic transformation after cerebral infarction: current concepts and challenges

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a frequent complication of acute ischemic stroke that is especially common after thrombolytic therapy. The risk of HT limits the applicability of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Here, we sought to review the rate, classification, predictors, possible mechanism, and clinical outcomes of HT, as well as existing therapeutic approaches, in order to call attention to the current challenges in the treatment of this complication .