From biomechanics to pathology: predicting axonal injury from patterns of strain after traumatic brain injury

Cornelius K. Donat, Maria Yanez Lopez, Magdalena Sastre, Nicoleta Baxan, Marc Goldfinger, Reneira Seeamber, Franziska Müller, Polly Davies, Peter J. Hellyer, Petros Siegkas, Steve Gentleman, David Sharp, Mazdak Ghajari

Brain, 2020

Abstract

The relationship between biomechanical forces and neuropathology is key to understanding traumatic brain injury. White matter tracts are damaged by high shear forces during impact, resulting in axonal injury, a key determinant of long-term clinical outcomes. However, the relationship between biomechanical forces and patterns of white matter injuries, associated with persistent diffusion MRI abnormalities, is poorly understood. This limits the ability to predict the severity of head injuries and the design of appropriate protection. Our previously developed human finite element model of head injury predicted the location of post-traumatic neurodegeneration. A similar rat model now allows us to experimentally test whether strain patterns calculated by the model predicts in vivo MRI and histology changes. Using a controlled cortical impact, mild and moderate injuries (1 and 2 mm) were performed. Focal and axonal injuries were quantified with volumetric and diffusion 9.4 T MRI at 2 weeks post injury. Detailed analysis of the corpus callosum was conducted using multi-shell diffusion MRI and histopathology. Microglia and astrocyte density, including process parameters, along with white…

Cite as (BibTeX)

@article{donat-2020-from-biomechanics-to-pathology,
  title={From biomechanics to pathology: predicting axonal injury from patterns of strain after traumatic brain injury},
  author={Cornelius K. Donat and Maria Yanez Lopez and Magdalena Sastre and Nicoleta Baxan and Marc Goldfinger and Reneira Seeamber and Franziska Müller and Polly Davies and Peter J. Hellyer and Petros Siegkas and Steve Gentleman and David Sharp and Mazdak Ghajari},
  journal={Brain},
  year={2020},
  doi={10.1093/brain/awaa336}
}