Evaluation of Computed Tomography Perfusion Imaging in a Rat Acute Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Model

This study aims to apply computed tomography perfusion imaging (CTPI) technology under in vivo conditions in order to explore its reliability and accuracy in evaluating the rat acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model (RACIRM).

The thread embolism method was used in 48 rats to create the RACIRM. Rats were divided into 2 groups as ischemia group and ischemia-reperfusion group. We then compared and evaluated the results of CTPI, 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of both groups.

There were no significant differences in the volumes of hypoperfusion regions in the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) of each group at each CTPI time point and these volumes were not significantly different from the corresponding findings on the TTC-stained infarct regions. The mean transit time (MTT) did show a significant difference, as did the volumes observed in both the MTT ischemic region and TTC-stained infarct region. The CTPI parameters exhibited correlation with the infarct volumes calculated in TTC staining, among which CBV exhibited the highest correlation.

CTPI could rapidly, accurately, and non-invasively evaluate the site, size, and hemodynamic changes in the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion animal model.