Investigation of mechanisms underlying transient T2 normalization in longitudinal studies of ischemic stroke

PURPOSE: To determine if the phenomenon of transient normalization of T2 relaxation in the subacute stage of ischemic stroke is associated with either magnetic susceptibility effects secondary to hemorrhage or changes in tissue water content. MATERIALS and METHODS: We utilized a rat model of transient, focal, cerebral ischemia. The possibility of hemorrhage was evaluated with T2*-weighted (T2*W) imaging and histology. Changes in water content were assessed by brain wet-to-dry weight. RESULTS: Susceptibility effects were not evident in T2*W images, and neither red blood cells nor unchelated Fe(III) was found in hematoxylin and eosin (H-E)- or Prussian Blue-stained sections, respectively. However, between the peak of T2 contrast and the point of transient T2 normalization, water content consistently decreased by an average of 3%. CONCLUSION: Transient T2 normalization is associated with normalization of water content and can occur without evidence of hemorrhage.