Semin Neurol 2012; 32(04): 374-400
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1331810
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Advanced Neuroimaging in Traumatic Brain Injury

Brian L. Edlow
1   Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
2   Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
3   Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts
,
Ona Wu
3   Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts
4   Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Publikationsdatum:
29. Januar 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Advances in structural and functional neuroimaging have occurred at a rapid pace over the past two decades. Novel techniques for measuring cerebral blood flow, metabolism, white matter connectivity, and neural network activation have great potential to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and prognosis for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), while also providing biomarkers to guide the development of new therapies. Several of these advanced imaging modalities are currently being implemented into clinical practice, whereas others require further development and validation. Ultimately, for advanced neuroimaging techniques to reach their full potential and improve clinical care for the many civilians and military personnel affected by TBI, it is critical for clinicians to understand the applications and methodological limitations of each technique. In this review, we examine recent advances in structural and functional neuroimaging and the potential applications of these techniques to the clinical care of patients with TBI. We also discuss pitfalls and confounders that should be considered when interpreting data from each technique. Finally, given the vast amounts of advanced imaging data that will soon be available to clinicians, we discuss strategies for optimizing data integration, visualization, and interpretation.