We used hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (HP 13C MRSI), T1- and T2-MRI to detect brain alterations in a mouse model of mild repetitive traumatic brain injury (rTBI). T1/T2-MRI did not detect brain damages. HP 13C MRSI detected metabolic changes in cortical areas, with decreased HP lactate/pyruvate and pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in rTBI. Interestingly, HP pyruvate and HP urea increased in rTBI, suggesting vascular and/or blood brain barrier alterations. Altogether, we demonstrated that HP 13C MRSI has potential to detect long-lasting metabolic alterations following rTBI and holds great potential for improving diagnosis and monitoring of rTBI in clinical practice.
This abstract and the presentation materials are available to members only; a login is required.