Tri-Exponential IVIM Model Identifies Microstructural and Perfusion Changes in Concussion Compared to HC

Motivation: Enhance understanding of microstructural and perfusion-related changes in concussion. Goal(s): Use the tri-exponential intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) model to detect brain injury mechanisms in concussion Approach: Compared multi-shell diffusion MRI data from 19 healthy controls and 8 concussion patients. Results: Significant group differences were observed, with concussion showing elevated slow-restricted diffusion (Ds) and perfusion-related diffusion (Dp), indicating tissue damage and vascular alterations in regions such as the corpus callosum, thalamus, and hippocampus. Diffusion fraction analysis also revealed disrupted water diffusion in concussion. Impact: The tri-exponential IVIM model provides a view of concussion-related changes by distinguishing between different types of diffusion. This approach enables more precise detection of tissue damage and vascular alterations, especially in vulnerable regions like the corpus callosum, thalamus, and hippocampus.