Diffusion-weighted imaging in Wallerian degeneration

J Neurol Sci. 2000 Sep 15;178(2):167-9. doi: 10.1016/s0022-510x(00)00373-7.

Abstract

We report two patients displaying hyperintensities on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the area of Wallerian degeneration (WD) at 12 days after stroke. High signal intensities were more conspicuous on DWI than on T2-weighted images. Both patients showed decreased diffusion anisotropy resulting in elevated apparent diffusion coefficient in the area of WD. These patients illustrate that DWI may be useful in the detection of the early stage of WD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain Ischemia / complications
  • Brain Ischemia / pathology*
  • Cerebral Arteries*
  • Cerebral Infarction / complications
  • Cerebral Infarction / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Time Factors
  • Wallerian Degeneration / etiology
  • Wallerian Degeneration / pathology*