Characterizing Cerebral Neurometabolic Changes in Diaschisis from Stroke using Fast 3D High-Resolution MRSI

Motivation: Understanding metabolic changes in diaschisis is essential for stroke rehabilitation. Goal(s): Our goal was to investigate the neurometabolite alterations in the disconnected white matter (WM) tracts and the downstream cortical gray matter (GM) regions, and their associations in early stroke outcome. Approach: 3D 1H-MRSI scanning using SPICE technology (scan time: 8 minutes, resolution: 2×3×3 mm3, FOV: 240×240×72 mm3) was performed on 105 acute ischemic stroke patients.Results: Our findings reveal a trend for decreased cortical GM NAA as the WM NAA in the diaschitic hemisphere decreases, both associated with early stroke outcome. Impact: Using 3D high-resolution 1H-MRSI, we found a potential involvement of neuronal mitochondria metabolism in the metabolic changes observed in diaschisis from stroke. It may offer valuable prognostic biomarkers in stroke patients management.