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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Protocol for Stroke Onset Time Estimation in Permanent Cerebral Ischemia
Published on: September 16, 2017
Correlating tissue outcome with quantitative multiparametric MRI of acute cerebral ischemia in rats
Kimmo T Jokivarsi1, Yrjö Hiltunen, Pasi I Tuunanen
1Department of Neurobiology, AI Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland.
Abstract:
Predicting tissue outcome remains a challenge for stroke magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, we have acquired multiparametric MRI data sets (including absolute T(1), T(2), diffusion, T(1rho) using continuous wave and adiabatic pulse approaches, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and amide proton transfer ratio (APTR) images) during and after 65 mins of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in rats. The MRI scans were repeated 24 h after MCAo, when the animals were killed for quantitative histology. Magnetic resonance imaging parameters acquired at three acute time points were correlated with regionally matching cell count at 24 h. The results emphasize differences in the temporal profile of individual MRI contrasts during MCAo and especially during early reperfusion, and suggest that complementary information from CBF and tissue damage can be obtained with appropriate MRI contrasts. The data show that by using three to four MRI parameters, sensitive to both hemodynamic changes and different aspects of parenchymal changes, the fate of the tissue can be predicted with increased correlation compared with single-parameter techniques. Combined multiparametric MRI data and multiparametric analysis may provide an excellent tool for preclinical testing of new treatments and also has the potential to facilitate decision-making in the management of acute stroke patients.
Insights
Predicting stroke outcomes is challenging. Multiparametric MRI, combining hemodynamic and tissue change data, accurately forecasts tissue fate, aiding acute stroke patient management and preclinical treatment testing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Stroke Research
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Accurate prediction of tissue outcome in stroke is critical but challenging.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers potential for non-invasive assessment of stroke-induced changes.
- Current MRI techniques often lack the comprehensive data needed for precise outcome prediction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of multiparametric MRI in predicting tissue outcome after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in a rat model.
- To correlate acute MRI parameters with quantitative histology at 24 hours post-MCAo.
- To determine if combining multiple MRI contrasts enhances prediction accuracy compared to single-parameter methods.
Main Methods:
- Acquisition of multiparametric MRI data (T1, T2, diffusion, T1rho, cerebral blood flow (CBF), amide proton transfer ratio (APTR)) during and after 65 minutes of MCAo in rats.
- Repeated MRI scans 24 hours post-MCAo, followed by quantitative histology.
- Correlation analysis between acute MRI parameters and histological measures of tissue damage.
Main Results:
- Individual MRI contrasts exhibited distinct temporal profiles during MCAo and reperfusion.
- Complementary information regarding CBF and tissue damage was obtainable using specific MRI contrasts.
- Using three to four MRI parameters significantly increased the correlation for predicting tissue fate compared to single-parameter techniques.
- Multiparametric MRI demonstrated sensitivity to both hemodynamic changes and parenchymal alterations.
Conclusions:
- Multiparametric MRI, integrating hemodynamic and parenchymal information, offers a powerful tool for predicting stroke tissue outcome.
- This approach enhances preclinical treatment testing by providing more accurate outcome predictions.
- The findings suggest potential for improved clinical decision-making in acute stroke management.
