The role of advanced MR imaging findings as biomarkers of traumatic brain injury

J Head Trauma Rehabil. 2010 Jul-Aug;25(4):267-82. doi: 10.1097/HTR.0b013e3181e54793.

Abstract

Treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) requires proper classification of the pathophysiology. Clinical classifiers and conventional neuroimaging are limited in TBI detection, outcome prediction, and treatment guidance. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques such as susceptibility weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging are sensitive to microhemorrhages, white matter injury, and abnormal metabolic activities, respectively, in brain injury. In this article, we reviewed these 3 advanced MRI methods and their applications in TBI and report some new findings from our research. These MRI techniques have already demonstrated their potential to improve TBI detection and outcome prediction. As such, they have demonstrated the capacity of serving as a set of biomarkers to reveal the heterogeneous and complex nature of brain injury in a regional and temporal manner. Further longitudinal studies using advanced MRI in a synergistic approach are expected to provide insight in understanding TBI and imaging implications for treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Axons / physiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Brain Hemorrhage, Traumatic / diagnosis
  • Brain Hemorrhage, Traumatic / physiopathology
  • Brain Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Brain Injuries / physiopathology
  • Diffusion Tensor Imaging*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy*
  • Microvessels / injuries
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / diagnosis
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / physiopathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers