Detectability of early brain meningitis with magnetic resonance imaging

Journal Article · Tue Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Investigative Radiology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00004424-199508000-00006· OSTI ID:160129

Runge, V M; Wells, J W; Williams, N M ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, KY (United States)

The ability of high-field (1.5 T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect early brain meningitis was evaluated in a canine model. Contrast dose, timing postinjection, and imaging technique (specifically the use of magnetization transfer) were assessed. Imaging of five canines was performed at 1.5 T 24 hours after injection of Cowans staphylococcus into the cisterna magna. Two control animals also were imaged using the same protocol. Contrast doses of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.8 mmol/kg gadoteridol were compared. Scans were performed at 2, 13, and 22 minutes after an initial injection of 0.1 mmol/kg. Thirty minutes after the initial injection of contrast, a supplemental dose of 0.2 mmol/kg was given. Scans were then repeated at 2, 12, and 22 minutes after this dose was administered. A second supplemental contrast injection of 0.5 mmol/kg was given at 70 minutes, and immediate postinjection scans with and without MT were acquired. Results. In the animals receiving a cisternal injection of bacteria, the degree of meningeal enhancement was greatest at 0.8 mmol/kg, intermediate at 0.3 mmol/kg, and least at 0.1 mmol/kg. Scans in control studies did not demonstrate abnormal meningeal enhancement. High-contrast dose, MT, and acquisition of immediate postcontrast scans all resulted in statistically significant improvement. On masked film review, abnormal meningeal enhancement was noted in only 2 of 5 experimental dogs at a dose of 0.1 mmol/kg (regardless of the use of MT) compared with all animals at a dose of 0.3 mmol/kg. In 18 of 37 dogs (paired scans with and without MT), when abnormal enhancement was noted, the use of MT improved the visualization of abnormal meningeal enhancement. In early brain meningitis, high-contrast dose (0.3 mmol/kg), MT, and scanning immediately after injection improve detection of abnormal meningeal enhancement, thus facilitating the diagnosis of meningitis. Of these factors, contrast dose is the most important. 14 refs., 9 figs., 2 tabs.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 160129
• Journal Information: Investigative Radiology, Journal Name: Investigative Radiology Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 30; ISSN 0020-9996; ISSN INVRAV
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

55 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BASIC STUDIES
BRAIN
CONTRAST MEDIA
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
DOGS
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
GADOLINIUM
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
INJECTION
MAGNETIC RESONANCE
STAPHYLOCOCCUS