Abstract #1010

Temporal MRI Contrast Agent Enhancement Patterns Differ Between Bolus & Step-Down Infusion Arterial Input: A Possible Indicator of Edema Formation?

Robert A. Knight¹, James R. Ewing¹, Kishor Karki¹, Joseph D. Fenstermacher², Tavarekere N. Nagaraja²

¹Neurology - NMR Research, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States; ²Anesthesiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States

The development of edema following cerebral ischemia and reperfusion is a critical factor in determining stroke severity and predicting outcome. As the ischemic injury evolves, the blood-brain barrier often becomes injured, allowing water and contrast agent to leak out of the damaged vessels. Thus, contrast enhanced MRI may represent a potential method for assessing post-stroke edema formation by tracking the interaction of the extravascular water molecules with the leaking MRCA.