MRI in diagnostic of diffuse axonal injury

Abstract

Introduction: Diffuse axonal injury (DAI), is a rarely occurring consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI). For many years identification and outcomes prediction of DAI was limited. The specific markers have not been described. Progress in the development of radiological methods has made current abilities for recognition and prognosis much greater. Aim: The aim of the paper is the presentation of the clinical image of DAI and the emphasis of the importance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of this neurological condition. Case study: A 66-year-old female was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the 2nd day after TBI due to cardiovascular and respiratory failure. A suspicion of DAI was formulated on the basis of the brain computed tomography (CT). Results and discussion: The neurological state Glasgow coma scale (GCS) 7 did not correlate with changes observed in CT. The brain MRI presented lesions in the splenium and in the lobe of the corpus callosum, additionally. The intensity of changes in radiological classification of DAI based on brain MRI confirms the neurological state and allows the prognosis formulation. Conclusions: The brain MRI has become important in the diagnosis and prognostication of DAI.