Diffusion-weighted imaging differentiates ischemic tissue from traumatized tissue

Abstract

Background and Purpose Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be particularly effective in detecting early (0 to 4 hours) pathophysiological changes in localized brain regions after cerebral ischemia. The present study sought to establish whether diffusion-weighted MRI would be similarly effective in predicting outcome after traumatic brain injury. Methods Diffusion-weighted MRI images and T2weighted MRI images were obtained over 4 hours after either moderate fluid percussion-induced traumatic brain injury or unilateral carotid ligation in rats. Results Diffusion-weighted MRI images of traumatic brain injury demonstrated focal regions of image hypointensity as early as 1 hour after trauma. The relative diffusion coefficient in these hypointense regions was significantly increased (P