DWI in evaluation of scalp-acupuncture in treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage in rabbit models

Objective: To explore the efficacy of scalp-acupuncture in treating experimental encephalorrhagia in rabbit models with DWI and ADC. Methods: Sixty rabbits were randomly divided into control group (n=10), model group (n=10) and acupuncture group (n=40). The acupuncture group was divided into needle retaining group (n=10) and manipulation group (n=30), and the latter were averagely divided into transdermal needling reinforcing method subgroup, reducing method subgroup, moderate reinforcing and reducing subgroup (each n=10). Rabbits in model and acupuncture group underwent DWI 2 h, 3 days and 7 days after establishment of encephalorrhagia models. ADC values around the hematoma and at the contralateral mirror area were measured and analyzed statistically. Results: After the models were made, ADC values around hematoma were higher than that of the contralateral area. There was statistical difference of ADC values among 2 h, 3 days and 7 days. Two hours after establishment of models, ADC values of model and acupuncture group around hematoma were higher than those of control group, and the increasing range of model group was larger than that of acupuncture group 3 days later. ADC values of model and acupuncture group around hematoma decreased 7 days later, and in acupuncture group decreased more than in model group. ADC values of manipulation group were lower than those of needle retaining group, and there was no statistical difference among acupuncture subgroups. There was statistical difference of ADC values between model group and acupuncture group at the mirror areas 3 days and 7 days later, but not among acupuncture subgroups. Conclusion: DWI and ADC value can dynamically and lively monitor the changes of edema in encephalorrhagia rabbit models. Scalp-acupuncture is helpful to relieve the edema of encephalorrhagia in rabbit models. Copyright © 2013 by the Press of Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology.