Abstract TP60: T1 Rho Magnetic Resonance Imaging Can Detect and Quantify Acute Ischemic Stroke in Humans

Introduction: Establishing a timeline of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) onset is critically important for selecting time-sensitive treatments. However, there is currently no accepted imaging method for reliably dating stroke onset. T1 Rho MR is an investigative imaging modality for quantifying the spin lattice relaxation time constant in a rotating frame. T1 Rho is sensitive to chemical exchange, and in acute stroke, has been shown in animal models to increase linearly in the first 6 hours after onset of cerebral infarction, making it possible to accurately date onset. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that a rapid non-contrast T1 Rho MR sequence can be used to detect and quantify AIS in humans. Methods: AIS patients (n=11) underwent 3.0T brain MR scans in the late acute to subacute period after onset (mean 56 hours). The infarct volume was identified on DWI and infarct regions of interest (ROIs) were mapped onto the contralateral side to serve as within-subject controls. Infarct and control ROIs were co-registered...