Evaluation of select biocompatible markers for labelling peripheral nerves on 11.7 T MRI

David Gullotti; Antonella Mangraviti; Jiangyang Zhang; Francesco Volpin; Gabriel Fink; Roey Reiss; Shivani Ahlawat; Alessandro Olivi; Ahmet Hoke; Betty Tyler; Allan Belzberg

doi:10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.12.019

Evaluation of select biocompatible markers for labelling peripheral nerves on 11.7 T MRI

J Neurosci Methods. 2019 Mar 1:315:6-13. doi: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.12.019. Epub 2019 Jan 7.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.
² Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
³ Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
⁴ The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
⁵ Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
⁶ Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
⁷ Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States. Electronic address: btyler@jhmi.edu.

PMID: 30630001
DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.12.019

Abstract

Background: Peripheral nerve injury is often followed by a highly variable recovery process with respect to both rapidity and efficacy. Identifying post-nerve injury phenomena is key to assessing the merit and timing of surgery as well as to tracking nerve recovery postoperatively. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) has been investigated in the clinical and research settings as a noninvasive technique to both assess and monitor each patient's unique case of peripheral nerve damage.

New method: We identify a MRI-suitable marker for tracking the exact site of either nerve injury or coaptation following surgical repair to aid with DTI analysis.

Results: Due to artefact and disruption of tractography, silver wire and microvascular clips were not suitable markers. AxoGuard®, 4-0 vicryl suture, and 10-0 polyamide suture, although detectable, did not produce a signal easily distinguished from post-surgical changes. Silicone was easily identifiable and stable in both the acute and delayed time points, exhibited negligible impact on DTI parameters, and possessed geometry to prevent nerve strangulation.

Comparison with existing method: Prior studies have not assessed the efficacy of other markers nor have they assessed silicone for potential artefact with DTI parameter analysis. Furthermore, this work demonstrates the reliability and compatibility of silicone in the delayed postoperative time period and includes its unique imaging appearance on high-resolution 11.7 MRI.

Conclusion: Semi-cylindrical silicone tubing can be used as a safe, reliable, and readily available radiological marker to visualize and monitor a region of interest on a rodent's peripheral nerve for aiding assessments with diffusion tensor imaging.

Keywords: AxoGen; Axonal regeneration; DTI; MRI markers; Peripheral nerve injury.

Publication types

Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

Animals
Diffusion Tensor Imaging / instrumentation*
Diffusion Tensor Imaging / methods
Disease Models, Animal
Female
Peripheral Nerve Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
Peripheral Nerves / diagnostic imaging*
Prostheses and Implants*
Radiation Equipment and Supplies*
Rats, Inbred F344
Silicones

Substances

Silicones