Molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Vascular Inflammation After Recanalization in a Rat Ischemic Stroke Model.

Brain imaging has become central in the management of acute ischemic stroke. Detection of parenchymal injury and perfusion enables characterization of the extent of ischemic damage, which guides treatment decision-making. Additional assessment of secondary events, such as inflammation, which may particularly arise after recanalization, may improve diagnosis and (supplementary) treatment selection. Therefore, we developed and tested a molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach for in vivo detection of vascular inflammation after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.