Longitudinal imaging and evaluation of SAH-associated cerebral large artery vasospasm in mice using micro-CT and angiography

Abstract

Longitudinal in vivo imaging studies characterizing subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-induced large artery vasospasm (LAV) in mice are lacking. We developed a SAH-scoring system to assess SAH severity in mice using micro CT and longitudinally analysed LAV by intravenous digital subtraction angiography (i.v. DSA). Thirty female C57Bl/6J-mice (7 sham, 23 SAH) were implanted with central venous ports for repetitive contrast agent administration. SAH was induced by filament perforation. LAV was assessed up to 14 days after induction of SAH by i.v. DSA. SAH-score and neuroscore showed a highly significant positive correlation (rsp = 0.803, p < 0.001). SAH-score and survival showed a negative significant correlation (rsp = −0.71, p < 0.001). LAV peaked between days 3–5 and normalized on days 7–15. Most severe LAV was observed in the internal carotid (Δmax = 30.5%, p < 0.001), anterior cerebral (Δmax = 21.2%, p = 0.014), middle cerebral (Δmax = 28.16%, p < 0.001) and basilar artery (Δmax = 23.49%, p < 0.001). Cerebral perfusion on day 5 correlated negatively with survival time (rPe = −0.54, p = 0.04). Arterial diameter of the left MCA correlated negatively with cerebral perfusion on day 3 (rPe = −0.72, p = 0.005). In addition, pseudoaneurysms arising from the filament perforation site were visualized in three mice using i.v. DSA. Thus, micro-CT and DSA are valuable tools to assess SAH severity and to longitudinally monitor LAV in living mice.

Development of a nomogram for predicting clinical outcome in patients with angiogram‐negative subarachnoid hemorrhage

“…DCI has been reported to correlate with prognosis and neurological function after SAH 25 . Several studies even applied micro‐CT, DSA to longitudinally monitor vasospasm and tried to reveal the progression after SAH 26 . Besides, early brain injury (EBI) encompasses the entire brain injury occurring within 72 h after SAH, which is related to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neuronal death, blood‐brain barrier (BBB) damage, autophagy–apoptosis, and ferroptosis 27–30 .…”

“… 25 Several studies even applied micro‐CT, DSA to longitudinally monitor vasospasm and tried to reveal the progression after SAH. 26 Besides, early brain injury (EBI) encompasses the entire brain injury occurring within 72 h after SAH, which is related to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neuronal death, blood‐brain barrier (BBB) damage, autophagy–apoptosis, and ferroptosis. 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 Although timely and effective treatment is implemented, the SAH‐induced neurological impairments are permanent in individual.…”

Acyl‐CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 plays detrimental role in early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats by inducing ferroptosis

“…Previous studies have suggested that pathophysiological changes from cerebral vasospasm cause poor prognosis in patients with SAH. 24 However, recent studies have shown that adequate treatment of cerebral vasospasm does not effectively improve the prognosis of these patients. 25 Several studies examining post-SAH EBI have shown that EBI is an important factor affecting the prognosis of patients with SAH.…”

The impact of transcranial direct current stimulation on cerebral vasospasm in a rat model of subarachnoid hemorrhage

“…In a recently published study, the development of large vessel cerebral vasospasm was evaluated by serial intravenous catheter angiography in the SAH perforation model in mice. 39 The authors found a negative correlation of large vessel vasospasm and cerebral perfusion measurement with the survival time of the animals. The correlation of vasospasm with cerebral perfusion as well as survival time is a relevant issue for clinical practice.…”