Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Advanced Diffusion Imaging in The Hippocampus of Rats with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: August 14, 2019
MR imaging in the detection of diffuse axonal injury with mild traumatic brain injury
Naile Bolca Topal1, Bahattin Hakyemez, Cuneyt Erdogan
1Department of Radiology, Uludag University Medical School, 16059 Gorukle, Bursa, Turkey. nailebolca@yahoo.com
Purpose:
To evaluate the occurrence and distribution of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) caused by diffuse axonal injury (DAI) using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and to attempt to correlate MR findings with post-concussion symptoms (PCS).
Patients And Methods:
Forty MTBI patients (mean age: 32.5 years) with normal cranial computed tomography (CT) findings were examined with standard MR protocol including T(1)-weighted, T(2)-weighted, fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), gradient echo (GRE) and diffusion-weighted (DW) sequences. MR imaging was performed within 24 hours of injury. The lesions were classified as DAI based on their location and morphologic appearance.
Results:
In MR imaging of five (12.5%) of the patients, the lesions compatible with DAI were observed. Four patients (10%) had the foci of low signal intensity compatible with hemorrhagic shear injury on the GRE sequence, and five (12.5%) patients had high signal intensity on FLAIR and DW sequence.
Conclusion:
MR imaging can be helpful in revealing DAI lesions in patients with normal CT scan findings after MTBI. FLAIR, GRE and DW sequences are superior to conventional spin-echo images in detecting DAI lesions.
Insights
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging detected diffuse axonal injury (DAI) in 12.5% of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) patients with normal CT scans. Advanced MR sequences like FLAIR, GRE, and DW are superior for identifying these subtle DAI lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is a common injury.
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a frequent cause of MTBI, often missed by conventional CT scans.
- Post-concussion symptoms (PCS) can result from DAI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the occurrence and distribution of DAI in MTBI patients using MR imaging.
- To correlate MR findings with post-concussion symptoms (PCS).
Main Methods:
- Forty MTBI patients with normal CT scans underwent MR imaging within 24 hours of injury.
- Standard MR sequences included T1-weighted, T2-weighted, FLAIR, GRE, and DW.
- Lesions were classified as DAI based on location and morphology.
Main Results:
- DAI lesions were identified in 12.5% of patients via MR imaging.
- Hemorrhagic shear injury foci (low signal on GRE) were seen in 10% of patients.
- High signal intensity lesions on FLAIR and DW sequences were observed in 12.5% of patients.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging is valuable for detecting DAI in MTBI patients with normal CT findings.
- FLAIR, GRE, and DW sequences are more sensitive than conventional spin-echo images for DAI detection.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:14Brain Imaging
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
01:28Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging