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Advanced Diffusion Imaging in The Hippocampus of Rats with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: August 14, 2019
Clinical relevance of microhemorrhagic lesions in subacute mild traumatic brain injury
H J van der Horn1, S de Haan2, J M Spikman3
1Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700, RB, Groningen, The Netherlands. h.j.van.der.horn@umcg.nl.
Abstract:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often performed in patients with persistent complaints after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). However, the clinical relevance of detected microhemorrhagic lesions is still unclear. In the current study, 54 patients with uncomplicated mTBI and 20 matched healthy controls were included. Post-traumatic complaints were measured at two weeks post-injury. Susceptibility weighted imaging and T2*-gradient echo imaging (at 3 Tesla) were performed at four weeks post-injury. Microhemorrhagic lesions (1-10 mm) were subdivided based on depth (superficial or deep) and anatomical location (frontal, temporoparietal and other regions). Twenty-eight per cent of patients with mTBI had ≥1 lesions compared to 0 % of the healthy controls. Lesions in patients with mTBI were predominantly located within the superficial frontal areas. Number, depth and anatomical location of lesions did not differ between patients with and without post-traumatic complaints. Within the group of patients with complaints, number of complaints was not correlated with number of lesions. In summary, microhemorrhages were found in one out of four patients with uncomplicated mTBI during follow-up at four weeks post-injury, but they were not related to early complaints.
Insights
Microhemorrhages are visible in 28% of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients four weeks post-injury. However, these brain lesions do not correlate with early post-concussive symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Persistent complaints after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) often lead to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans.
- The clinical significance of microhemorrhagic lesions detected via MRI in mTBI patients remains uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and clinical relevance of microhemorrhagic lesions in patients with uncomplicated mTBI.
- To determine if lesion characteristics (number, depth, location) correlate with post-traumatic complaints.
Main Methods:
- 54 mTBI patients and 20 healthy controls underwent susceptibility weighted imaging and T2*-gradient echo imaging at 3 Tesla.
- Microhemorrhages (1-10 mm) were assessed for depth (superficial/deep) and location (frontal, temporoparietal, other).
- Post-traumatic complaints were evaluated at two weeks, and imaging was performed at four weeks post-injury.
Main Results:
- Twenty-eight percent of mTBI patients exhibited microhemorrhagic lesions, compared to none in controls.
- Lesions were predominantly superficial and located in frontal areas.
- No significant differences in lesion number, depth, or location were found between patients with and without post-traumatic complaints. Complaint severity did not correlate with lesion count.
Conclusions:
- Microhemorrhages are detectable in a notable percentage of mTBI patients four weeks after injury.
- The presence and characteristics of these lesions do not appear to be associated with early post-traumatic complaints in uncomplicated mTBI.
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