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Published on: December 28, 2014
Neurological dysfunctions versus apparent diffusion coefficient and T2 abnormality after transient focal cerebral
N Katsumata1, T Kuroiwa, I Yamada
1Department of Neuropathology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
We examined temporal profiles of neurological dysfunctions and compared them with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2 changes in ischemic cortical regions after transient focal cerebral ischemia in Mongolian gerbils. Mongolian gerbils (n = 7) underwent right common carotid artery occlusion for 20 minutes. Asymmetric motor behavior and unilateral somatosensory dysfunction were quantified by the elevated body swing test and the bilateral asymmetry test at 0, 2, 3, and 8 days after ischemia. The results were compared to the ADC and T2 changes in the primary motor cortex and the somatosensory cortex. Transient motor dysfunction was observed at day 2 after ischemia. MRI revealed transient and mild ADC decrease without T2 increase at day 2 after ischemia in the primary motor cortex. Persistent somatosensory dysfunction was observed at 2, 3, and 8 days after ischemia, which corresponded to a moderate ADC decrease, and a mild T2 increase in the primary somatosensory cortex at days 2 and 3 after ischemia. Time profiles of neurological deficits concurred with ADC changes of the post-ischemic cortex responsible for the deficits. The post-ischemic lesions responsible for the neurological deficits were detectable by using ADC mapping in the acute phase after transient focal cerebral ischemia.
Insights
This study shows that apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) changes in the brain accurately reflect neurological deficits after transient focal cerebral ischemia. ADC mapping can detect acute ischemic lesions, aiding in understanding stroke recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Ischemic Stroke Research
Background:
- Transient focal cerebral ischemia can lead to temporary or persistent neurological deficits.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques like apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2 mapping are used to assess brain tissue changes.
- Understanding the correlation between neurological dysfunction and imaging markers is crucial for stroke management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal relationship between neurological deficits and ADC/T2 changes in specific cortical regions following transient focal cerebral ischemia.
- To determine if ADC mapping can detect acute ischemic lesions correlating with observed neurological impairments.
Main Methods:
- Mongolian gerbils underwent 20-minute occlusion of the right common carotid artery.
- Neurological functions (motor and somatosensory) were assessed using the elevated body swing test and bilateral asymmetry test at multiple time points post-ischemia.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2 values in the primary motor cortex and somatosensory cortex were measured using MRI.
Main Results:
- Transient motor dysfunction at day 2 post-ischemia correlated with a mild, transient ADC decrease in the primary motor cortex.
- Persistent somatosensory dysfunction from day 2 to 8 post-ischemia correlated with moderate ADC decrease and mild T2 increase in the primary somatosensory cortex.
- The time course of neurological deficits aligned with ADC changes in the affected cortical areas.
Conclusions:
- Temporal profiles of neurological deficits closely match ADC changes in the post-ischemic cortex.
- ADC mapping is effective in detecting lesions in the acute phase of transient focal cerebral ischemia.
- ADC changes serve as reliable indicators of neurological dysfunction severity and progression after focal cerebral ischemia.
