Diffusion tensor imaging observation of diffusion characteristics and pathologic changes in rabbit models with mild cerebral contusion and laceration / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the diffusion characteristics and pathology changes with DTI in rabbit models with mild cerebral contusion and laceration (CCL). Methods Thirty rabbits were randomly selected and made into models of mild CCL by free fall, while other 10 rabbits were cut only in the skull as control. T2WI and DTI were performed 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after the operation. DTI value of average diffusion coefficient (DCavg) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of mild CCL and its peripheral area were measured and compared. Histological examination was also performed. Results One hour after operation, CCL area showed high signal on T2WI, and no abnormal signal was found in the peripheral area, but both had abnormal color on DTI map. T2WI signal intensity in peripheral area of 22 rabbits (73.33%) increased gradually and had much abnormal color on T2WT map after 3 h. There was significant difference of FA and DCavg between CCL and the mirror region, the peripheral area and the mirror region (P<0.05). The value of FA decreased slightly since 12 h. More prominent tissue necrosis, edema and hemorrhage were found in CCL area than in the peripheral area with pathology examination. No abnormal manifestations of the brain were detected with both pathology and MR examination in the control rabbits. Conclusion DTI is sensitive for detecting mild CCL and can show it directly on color map, and thus may be used as a routine examination in the evaluation of mild CCL.