Abstract
BackgroundThe prognostic value of early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in dogs after traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains unclear.ObjectivesDetermine whether MRI findings are associated with prognosis after TBI in dogs.AnimalsFifty client‐owned dogs.MethodsRetrospective study of dogs with TBI that underwent 1.5T MRI within 14 days after head trauma. MRI evaluators were blinded to the clinical presentation, and all images were scored based on an MRI grading system (Grade I [normal brain parenchyma] to Grade VI [bilateral lesions affecting the brainstem with or without any lesions of lesser grade]). Skull fractures, percentage of intraparenchymal lesions, degree of midline shift, and type of brain herniation were evaluated. MGCS was assessed at presentation. The presence of seizures was recorded. Outcome was assessed at 48 h (alive or dead) and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after TBI.ResultsSixty‐six percent of the dogs had abnormal MRI findings. MRI grade was negatively correlated (P < .001) with MGCS. A significant negative correlation of MRI grade, degree of midline shift, and percentage of intraparenchymal lesions with follow‐up scores was identified. The MGCS was lower in dogs with brain herniation (P = .0191). Follow‐up scores were significantly lower in dogs that had brain herniation or skull fractures. The possibility of having seizures was associated with higher percentage of intraparenchymal lesions (P = 0.0054) and 10% developed PTE.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSignificant associations exist between MRI findings and prognosis in dogs with TBI. MRI can help to predict prognosis in dogs with TBI.
Highlights
The prognostic value of early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in dogs after traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains unclear
Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) TBI based on clinical history, (2) no known history of intracranial central nervous system disease unrelated to the TBI, (3) neurologic examination documented in the medical record and modified Glasgow coma scale (MGCS) recorded at presentation,[3] (4) minimum follow-up of 48 hours, and (5) 1.5 T MRI performed in the first 14 days after TBI
Traumatic brain injury is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs.[2]
Summary
Determine whether MRI findings are associated with prognosis after TBI in dogs. Percentage of intraparenchymal lesions, degree of midline shift, and type of brain herniation were evaluated. MRI grade was negatively correlated (P < .001) with MGCS. A significant negative correlation of MRI grade, degree of midline shift, and percentage of intraparenchymal lesions with follow-up scores was identified. The MGCS was lower in dogs with brain herniation (P = .0191). Follow-up scores were significantly lower in dogs that had brain herniation or skull fractures. The possibility of having seizures was associated with higher percentage of intraparenchymal lesions (P = 0.0054) and 10% developed PTE. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Significant associations exist between MRI findings and prognosis in dogs with TBI. MRI can help to predict prognosis in dogs with TBI.
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