[Magnetic resonance tomography of vasogenic brain edema in animal experiments].

PURPOSE

To systematically evaluate modern magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques of studying brain oedema, an animal model of vasogenic oedema is needed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We developed such a model by stereotactically cannulating the caudate nucleus in 11 Wistar-rats and infusing a solution of albumin. The way the oedema developed was imaged by MRI and then correlated histologically (three animals) and macroscopically after infusion of Evans' blue (two animals).

RESULTS

The extension of the infusion oedema was the same in both MRI and histology as well as at direct inspection of the specimen after infusion of Evans blue. With continuous acquisition of T1-weighted images after infusion of a 1% solution of Gd-DTPA we were able to demonstrate the dynamics of oedema evolution and bulk flow.

CONCLUSION

We believe that this infusion oedema is a suitable model for systematically investigating both signal behaviour and pathogenesis of vasogenic brain oedema by MRI.