What Sequences on High-Field MR Best Depict Temporal Resolution of Experimental ICH and Edema Formation in Mice?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Pilot study to examine the use of T1-, T2-, and T2*-weighted images for evaluating hematoma size and extent of edema in mouse brain at high field. METHODS: Following collagenase-induced intracerebral hemorrhage, nine mice were imaged at 4.7 T using T1-, T2-, and T2*-weighted images for hematoma and edema quantitation on days 1, 3, 10, and 21 after surgery. Values were compared with morphometric analysis of cryosections at the time of final MR imaging. RESULTS: For hematoma quantitation, the Spearman correlation coefficient (r) between T1 signal change and histology was 0.70 (P < 0.04) compared with r = 0.61 (P < 0.09) for T2*. The extent of perihematomal edema formation on cryosections was well reflected on T2 with r = 0.73 (P < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of our pilot study, MR imaging on 4.7 T appears to approximate the temporal changes in hematoma and edema sizes in murine ICH well, thus laying the groundwork for longitudinal studies on hematoma resorption and edema formation.