Prognostic value of brain diffusion tensor imaging in comatose after cardiac arrest

Motivation: Approximately 50% of comatose patients after cardiac arrest do not regain consciousness, so predicting prognosis is especially important. Goal(s): This study evaluates the prognostic value of white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) in these patients. Approach: Twenty-eight patients and 28 matched controls underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Results: We found significant reduction in FA among patients, correlating with neurological outcomes measured by the cerebral performance category and modified Rankin scale scores. Key brain regions exhibited severe damage linked to poor prognosis. This research suggests that DTI can noninvasively assess brain tissue status and impairment of specific brain regions predict outcomes accurately. Impact: These findings emphasize the role of white matter integrity in disease recovery in cardiac arrest patients. Suggesting that we can explore the pathophysiologic mechanisms of white matter injury and its potential as a therapeutic target in the future.