Myelin quantity in a normal-appearing regions as a prognostic factor 3 months post ischemic stroke

Motivation: This study demonstrates the role of myelin integrity in post-stroke recovery, specifically in non-lesioned brain regions. Goal(s): The goal is to investigate whether myelin-enhanced values (MEV) in non-lesioned brain areas correlate with favorable outcomes, providing insights into their predictive value for stroke recovery. Approach: Thirty-two ischemic stroke patients underwent T1-weighted and T2-weighted FLAIR MRI. MEV in non-lesioned regions was quantified, and predictive models were built to assess associations with 3-month clinical outcomes. Results: Higher non-lesion MEV was significantly associated with favorable outcomes, improving predictive accuracy in ensemble models by 20%. Impact: Identifying non-lesion MEV as a predictor for stroke recovery aids in prognosis and guides personalized post-stroke management for improved patient outcomes.