ADC mapping and T1-weighted signal changes on post-injury MRI predict seizure susceptibility after experimental traumatic brain injury.

AbstractObjective: Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a serious complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study is designed to determine the feasibility of using multiparametric MRI endpoints to predict differences in seizure susceptibility after experimental TBI.Methods: MRI imaging and behavioral measurements were performed at multiple time points after lateral fluid percussion injury (FPI) in rats. Seizure susceptibility was determined by video-electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring and off-line signal analysis after chemoconvulsant challenge.Results: Multiple MRI endpoints, including measures of injury-related brain swelling (normalized interhemispheric volume difference, NIVD) and T1-weighted signal change with contrast enhancement (a measure of blood–brain barrier disruption, BBBD), reliably distinguished between injured and sham-injured animals at 72 hours after injury. ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) values (a measure of water diffusivity) in injured cortex at 72 hours and 1 week after ...