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Traumatic brain injury: diffusion-weighted MR imaging findings.
A Y Liu1, J A Maldjian, L J Bagley
1Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|October 30, 1999
Summary
Diffusion-weighted MRI can detect diffuse axonal injury (DAI) in traumatic brain injury patients. This imaging technique reveals decreased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in the acute and subacute stages.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Radiology
- Traumatic Brain Injury
Background:
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a common primary intra-axial lesion in traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Characterizing DAI is crucial for understanding TBI pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for characterizing DAI.
- To evaluate DAI in acute and subacute TBI settings.
Main Methods:
- MR imaging was performed on nine TBI patients (age 26-78) 1-18 days post-injury.
- Conventional MR sequences and echo-planar diffusion-weighted MR imaging were employed.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were computed to analyze diffusion characteristics.
Main Results:
- Diffusion-weighted images revealed areas of increased signal intensity.
- Correspondingly decreased ADC values were observed in patients with DAI.
- Persistent decreased ADC was noted up to 18 days post-injury in one case.
Conclusions:
- Decreased ADC is demonstrable in acute DAI.
- Reduced ADC in DAI can persist into the subacute phase.
- This finding extends beyond typical cytotoxic edema patterns seen in ischemia.