Brain tissue iron quantification by MRI in intracerebral hemorrhage: Current translational evidence and pitfalls

Abstract

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a common subtype of hemorrhagic stroke with devastating consequences with no specific treatment. There is, however, substantial evidence for iron-mediated neurotoxicity in animal ICH models. Non-invasive quantification of the peri-hematomal tissue iron based on MRI has shown some promise in animal models and is being validated for clinical translation. This commentary reviews evidence for this approach and discusses potential pitfalls.