Artificial neural network prediction of ischemic tissue fate in acute stroke imaging

J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2010 Sep;30(9):1661-70. doi: 10.1038/jcbfm.2010.56. Epub 2010 Apr 28.

Abstract

Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging of acute stroke provides predictive value that can be used to guide stroke therapy. A flexible artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm was developed and applied to predict ischemic tissue fate on three stroke groups: 30-, 60-minute, and permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. Cerebral blood flow (CBF), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and spin-spin relaxation time constant (T2) were acquired during the acute phase up to 3 hours and again at 24 hours followed by histology. Infarct was predicted on a pixel-by-pixel basis using only acute (30-minute) stroke data. In addition, neighboring pixel information and infarction incidence were also incorporated into the ANN model to improve prediction accuracy. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to quantify prediction accuracy. The major findings were the following: (1) CBF alone poorly predicted the final infarct across three experimental groups; (2) ADC alone adequately predicted the infarct; (3) CBF+ADC improved the prediction accuracy; (4) inclusion of neighboring pixel information and infarction incidence further improved the prediction accuracy; and (5) prediction was more accurate for permanent occlusion, followed by 60- and 30-minute occlusion. The ANN predictive model could thus provide a flexible and objective framework for clinicians to evaluate stroke treatment options on an individual patient basis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Animals
  • Brain Ischemia / pathology*
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Diffusion
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Neural Networks, Computer*
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Stroke / pathology*