Real-time imaging of traumatic brain injury using magnetic induction tomography

Objective. Early diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is crucial for its prognosis; however, traditional computed tomography diagnostic methods rely on large medical devices with an associated lag time to receive results. Therefore, an imaging modality is needed that provides real-time monitoring, can easily be carried out to assess the extent of TBI damage, and thus guides treatment. Approach. In the present study, an improved magnetic induction tomography (MIT) data acquisition system was used to monitor TBI in an animal model and distinguish the injury level. A pneumatically controlled cortical impactor was used to strike the parietal lobe of anesthetized rabbits two or three times under the same parameter mode to establish two different rabbit models of TBI. The MIT data acquisition system was used to record data and continuously monitor the brain for one hour without intervention. Main results. A target with increased conductivity was clearly observed in the reconstructed image. The position was relatively fixed and accurate, and the average positioning error of the image was 0.013 72 m. The normalized mean reconstruction value of all images increased with time. The slope of the regression line of the normalized mean reconstruction value differed significantly between the two models (p < 0.0001). Significance. This indicates that in the animal model, the unique features of MIT may facilitate the early monitoring of TBI and distinguish different degrees of injuries, thereby reducing the risk and mortality of associated complications.

Automated summary

In this study, an improved magnetic induction tomography (MIT) data acquisition system was used to monitor traumatic brain injury (TBI) and distinguish different injury levels. The experiment used a pneumatically controlled cortical impactor to strike the parietal lobe of anesthetized rabbits and establish different TBI models. The MIT data acquisition system continuously monitored the brain for an hour and successfully observed targets with increased conductivity in the reconstructed images, indicating that MIT may facilitate early TBI monitoring and distinguish varying degrees of injuries.