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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model of Stroke
Published on: August 11, 2023
MRI features in a canine model of ischemic stroke: correlation between lesion volume and neurobehavioral status
Byeong-Teck Kang1, Dong-Pyo Jang, Su-Hyun Gu
1Department of Neurology, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, South Korea.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and assess the correlation between the volume of the ischemic lesion and neurobehavioral status during the subacute stage of ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke was induced in 6 healthy laboratory beagles through permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), measurement of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) ratio, and neurobehavioral evaluation were performed 3 times serially by using a 1.5-T MR system: before and 3 and 10 d after MCAO. Ischemic lesions demonstrated T2 hyperintensity, FLAIR hyperintensity, and DWI hyperintensity. The ADC ratio was decreased initially but then was increased at 10 d after MCAO. Ischemic lesion volumes on T2-weighted and FLAIR imaging were not significantly different from those on DWI. The lesion volume and neurobehavioral score showed strong correlation. Our results suggest that conventional MRI may be a reliable diagnostic tool during the subacute stage of canine ischemic stroke.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effectively diagnosed ischemic stroke in dogs. Lesion volume correlated with neurobehavioral deficits, suggesting MRI
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Stroke Research
Background:
- Ischemic stroke diagnosis in veterinary medicine relies on advanced imaging.
- Understanding the subacute phase is crucial for prognosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of MRI in canine ischemic stroke.
- To correlate ischemic lesion volume with neurobehavioral status in the subacute stage.
Main Methods:
- Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in 6 beagles.
- Serial MRI (T2, FLAIR, DWI, ADC ratio) and neurobehavioral assessments at baseline, 3, and 10 days post-MCAO.
- 1.5-T MR system utilized for imaging.
Main Results:
- Ischemic lesions showed characteristic hyperintensities on T2, FLAIR, and DWI sequences.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) ratio decreased initially, then increased by day 10.
- Lesion volumes measured by conventional MRI sequences were comparable.
- Significant correlation observed between lesion volume and neurobehavioral scores.
Conclusions:
- Conventional MRI is a reliable diagnostic tool for subacute canine ischemic stroke.
- MRI-derived lesion volume is a valuable indicator of neurological impairment.
