Mri-based quantification of cerebral edema in individual SHRSP rats using averaged criteria determined before the occurrence of edema

This study evaluated whether it is possible with T-2-weighted MRI to quanti tatively relate image-outcome in a single, individual case with that of a s tandardized control group that did not show these pathologies. An animal mo del of hypertension-related cerebral damage, the salt-loaded, stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP), was applied. Very similar values fo r cerebral edema were found when using either the individual or the average d threshold. The values were positively correlated with each, as edema(aver ages threshold) = 0.12 + 0.99 x edema(individual threshold) (Pearsons coeff icient = 0.99, p < 0.0001). This line was virtually congruent with the line of identity. Thus, by determination of the averaged threshold in the healt hy salt-loaded SHRSP, a parameter was obtained to calculate cerebral edema with the specifically used T-2-weighted MRT, protocol, in any rat. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.