Penumbra detection using PWI/DWI mismatch MRI in a rat stroke model with and without comorbidity: comparison of

Emma Reid1, Delyth Graham, M Rosario Lopez-Gonzalez

  • 1Glasgow Experimental MRI Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.

Insights

Perfusion-weighted imaging/diffusion-weighted imaging (PWI/DWI) mismatch helps identify penumbra in acute stroke. Spatial assessment of PWI/DWI mismatch is most informative for evaluating penumbra volume and location.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Radiology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) are crucial for identifying the penumbra in acute stroke.
  • Current methods for PWI/DWI mismatch calculation face limitations in threshold determination, quantification, and validation.
  • A lack of consensus exists regarding the optimal approach for penumbra assessment using mismatch.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine perfusion and diffusion thresholds from final infarct in spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone (SHRSP) rats and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats.
  • To compare three distinct methods for calculating penumbra volume: volumetric mismatch, spatial mismatch, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)-derived lesion growth.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of each method in accurately assessing penumbra in an acute stroke model.

Main Methods:

  • Permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was induced in WKY (n=12) and SHRSP (n=15) rats.
  • DWI and PWI images were acquired at 4 hours post-stroke, with final infarct volume determined at 24 hours on T2-weighted scans.
  • Penumbra was calculated using volumetric mismatch (perfusion deficit volume minus ADC lesion volume), spatial mismatch assessment on each slice, and retrospective ADC lesion expansion.

Main Results:

  • At 1 hour post-MCAO, volumetric mismatch underestimated penumbra volumes in both SHRSP and WKY rats compared to spatial assessment and ADC lesion expansion.
  • While not statistically significant, spatial assessment demonstrated a trend towards more informative penumbra volume detection.
  • Spatial assessment effectively utilizes both diffusion and perfusion data, avoids negative mismatch issues, and allows for anatomical localization of the penumbra.

Conclusions:

  • Spatial assessment of PWI/DWI mismatch appears to be the most informative method for evaluating penumbra in acute stroke models.
  • This method overcomes limitations of volumetric approaches by incorporating anatomical location and avoiding negative mismatch.
  • Further validation is warranted, but spatial assessment offers a promising approach for accurate penumbra quantification and characterization in stroke research.

Related Concept Videos